Just an idea.

[jeffa]

Hi all,

I am by no means great with the technology side of things other than a camera and a hand held video camera, (actually hearing about the info on monoculars gave me a head spin). Anyway to the point.
Would this be worth trying or even possible?
Camping in a known hotspot eg (behind Nimbin or some of the firetrails where regular sightings have occured).
Arrive before lunchtime, set up camp (no tent) Preferbly a van or caravan for more shall I say peace of mind. Have a bbq with sausages, meat all the good smelling stuff and whilst making a whole lot of racket just to let them know someone is in their territory.
After lunch rig up 4 sensor lights on each side of the van conected to a camera/video recorder.
Kick back, relax and make more noise etc.
Dinner time have another bbq leave a few snags out (for sharing is caring) go to bed in the van after turning the equipment on and see what the night brings.
The Equipment which you probly have guessed will trigger the sensor lights to come on shedding light to the campsite directly followed by the camera/videocamera to do its thing. All whilst you are sound asleep. For more added peace of mind maybe connect the wiring the the horn/airhorn for time delay to keep the extra aggressive ones in check.
Oh and maybe having an older van or caravan if the occasional rock gets thrown your way.
Might have to try this a couple of nights just to give our friends plenty of notice we are in their large(I assume territory).
Anyway, Dont even know if this can be done, but it would sure beat staying up all night waiting for activity and safer than the old fassioned tent.

Please dont critisize too harshly just an idea from a guy that would love to help out and make everones life easier and safer.
Thoughts?

Jeffa

[Fisho]

sounds good in theory mate, but you have to factor in a few things;
- big guy might not be in the vicinity/ be able to hear or smell you and your snags.
- Your in his world, his "house", all these creatures have is: trees, rocks and shrubbary/foilage around them their whole lives, can you imagine how good these creatures are at hiding and camouflaging into their surroundings?

i say dont go out expecting a photo, do everything you have said except setting up the surveillance stuff. If your lucky enough for one to show interest in you, just sit and listen (out of your window if you like )
c**p your pants and go out there the next week and do it all again

[jeffa]

Fair enough Fisho.
As with most expeditions you would expect alot of failed or limited attempts at any sort of level.

The key word is perserverence (check spelling) and try again, and again if no luck try somewhere else.
As I have learnt from this site that they are a very intelligent species that wont take long to figure out that someone is in their territory. It will just be up to them to make the second move after us setting up camp to see if they want to show/let you know they are there.
Why not try and rig up the surveilance? Who knows it may be the evidence to shut critics mouths and give them (yowies) the protection they deserve.

Cheers

[jeffa]

73 views and only 1 response. Any response is grateful.

Cheers

[Dion]

Sorry Jeffa

I was waiting for other people to respond, I’m sure your idea has been done before in the old days of Yowiehunters with the old crew back in the 90’s. Your idea is not new, still having said that it’s a good one.

The problem is…… even with well executed plans nothing works out the way you want it to.

The best time for an encounter in my personal opinion is when you’re unprepared and things happen by chance. Sometimes you just have to take it as it comes.

I don’t know why it works out this way it just does, maybe Yowies have sixth sense for danger.

Rusty is a pure example for this once he withdraws his cameras and audio equipment he has started getting better results.

Having said that I do believe that they can be caught out now and then depending on species.

[Buck]

Hi Jeffa

I think find the hot spot first. It's a lot of effort to get a caravan somewhere. I think that as an Apex predator in the bush, they would be deeply suspicious and cognitive to notions of being tricked or fooled. Just as we have that odd hair on the back of your neck feeling that you're beeing watched they would too. I totally recommend you try doing it. A result doesn't have to be an award winning photo. A result can just be you find a footprint or other evidence of activity.

Most of the reports that are filed on the database are by the general public where as Dion suggests chance has played a big part of the encounter. I am still waiting for that encounter even though I have been out numerous times since I got interested in the subject. I think your idea has merit but you need a lot more going your way. For example the whole hotspot notion is a bit of a red herring. There are areas where more reports of encounters have been lodged for example the Blue Mountains. Even an area like the Jamieson Valley or Gross Valley are vast... and hard to get to in most cases. I think you should start with an area and narrow it down to your experience of the area. Then try your idea.

Me I prefer small groups, it's probably because I find that too big a group feels like an invasion.

As far as photos go here is my most clearest. I was happy to get this and I haven't had the opportunity to get anything better since. I little dissaponting I know but wildlife in general avoid the cameras. I hope you get out there and start looking. (I know it's a fox )

Cheers Buck