Internet Controlled Shotguns Discovered In Georgia (Yes, you read that correctly)

CBS Atlanta / The Augusta Chronicle ^ | January 17, 2011

[Stoat]

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Georgia authorities are investigating the discovery of six loaded shotguns aimed at a food plot that were rigged to be fired through a network of Web-controlled cameras.

The Augusta Chronicle reported the guns were discovered last fall on Georgia Power Company right of way in rural south Georgia.

The set up was discovered by a utility contractor and it was reported to the U.S. Office of Homeland Security.

The newspaper reported that a bulletin circulated by the Office of Homeland Security said it appeared that the rig was only intended for illegal hunting in an area known to be infested with wild hogs.

The newspaper reported that by the time officers arrived to investigate the shotgun setup had been removed.

[Stoat]

More from The Augusta Chronicle

 

Only in Georgia Internet-controlled shotguns linked to web cams on food plot The Augusta Chronicle

 

Georgia Outdoor News

A utility contractor stumbled across this elaborate, Internet-controlled network of web cameras and shotguns aimed into a food plot on a Georgia Power Company right-of-way last fall, prompting an inquiry by the Office of Homeland Security and other agencies. The system has since been removed and no charges were filed against the landowner who created it.

 

The expensive Benelli shotguns appear to be chambered for 3-inch shells and fitted with magazine extension tubes that increase their capacity from five to as many as eight rounds. Such a system, if fully operational, could direct substantial - and deadly - firepower.

 

Web-controlled guns are illegal The Augusta Chronicle

 

 

Several business ventures explored the idea of cyber hunting in recent years, but the practice has been banned in at least 25 states, the bulletin said, adding that officers should be aware of the existence of such devices.

"While law enforcement has been aware of such capabilities for some time, very few agencies have come across actual clandestine systems such as the one found in 2010."

 

 

[Stoat]

“Hunting while surfing” ping

[HiTech RedNeck]

linux? or windows?

[RC one]

I hope I’m not supposed to be aghast because I like it.

[Islander7]

Someone remotely guarding their marijuana plot?

[Randy Larsen]

Not so well camouflaged though!

[Pontiac]

Why would you use expensive Benelli shotguns in the set up.

Certainly a less expensive or even cheap shotgun would work as well in the rig.

[Eye of Unk]

I like it but I sure wouldn’t leave that many expensive shotguns lying around in the open like that, some genius here but also a lot of stupidity.

Reminds me of in a way the weapons platform in Aliens.

[Eye of Unk]

For what they had in mind I would have just built a big plate with smooth seamless tubes and a firing pin receiver for each one. All you need is an 18” tube, two dozen would work, some plumbing parts, actuators to select which tube to fire.

[OwenKellogg]

Killer app!

[Stoat]

Why would you use expensive Benelli shotguns in the set up.

Certainly a less expensive or even cheap shotgun would work as well in the rig.

Apparently the 'hunter' was more concerned with the reliability and fast firing rates that Benellis are famous for than the cost.  Six guns, all with extended mags sounds like he was expecting a visitor with significantly better armor than what a standard-issue wild hog is equipped with.  Then again, maybe he likes his pork minced.

Why would you use expensive Benelli shotguns in the set up.

Certainly a less expensive or even cheap shotgun would work as well in the rig.

[Fresh Wind]

That gives new meaning to the term “blue screen of death”.

[jospehm20]

me too. I could see uses for the setup.

[Eye of Unk]

Feral hogs and pigs from what I hear are becoming a very bad nuisance in parts of the lower 48. Also is that local laws are prohibiting some landowners from clearing these pests.

But I just cannot get past the fact that they are using such a high quality shotgun, almost sounds like a fabricated event by the FBI or someone.

[Stoat]

Not so well camouflaged though!

From the August Chronicle:

"The guns and setup were not located during subsequent follow-up patrols in the area," she said in an e-mail responding to questions about the case. "Capt. Jeff Swift has since talked with the property owner, Jay Williams, who stated that the firearms setup was still in the developmental stage and had not been deployed at that point to shoot any animal."

Web-controlled guns are illegal The Augusta Chronicle

 

It sounds as though the property owner was still testing the system when it was discovered, to his surprise.  I would imagine that it would have all been heavily camouflaged after it had been set up properly.

It seems that he wasn't expecting a human visitor to that area.

Not so well camouflaged though!

[RC one]

Home security comes to mind first and foremost. lol

[Stoat]

But I just cannot get past the fact that they are using such a high quality shotgun, almost sounds like a fabricated event by the FBI or someone.

From The Augusta Chronicle:

No charges were filed in the case, but authorities say such technology is dangerous and could be used in other situations.

 

Web-controlled guns are illegal The Augusta Chronicle

 

If someone was trying to set up the property owner to be prosecuted, they have apparently failed in their quest.

It could be that he simply has a lot of money and the cost of a quality firearm simply isn't that big of a deal. 

Without a better article including an interview with the property owner, it's hard to get beyond conjecture and guesswork on these points.

But I just cannot get past the fact that they are using such a high quality shotgun, almost sounds like a fabricated event by the FBI or someone.

[Reeses]

In Georgia it's illegal to use electronic communications equipment in the pursuit of game, which would mean hunters can't use their cell phones to coordinate, but pest control isn't covered by this. The reason he wasn't charged is because he didn't commit a crime.

With special tiny stereo lenses a tiny robot could turn bug hunting in a back yard or farm field into an African safari experience. It would be fun to hook up a small robot to the internet and allow people to kill bugs on their lunch break in 3D.

[Stoat]

That gives new meaning to the term “blue screen of death”.

Indeed ;-) Six autoloading Benellis all firing 3" magnum shells at a living target  as fast as they will cycle sounds  like 'red mist of death'  ;-)

That gives new meaning to the term “blue screen of death”.

[Stoat]

I sincerely appreciate your research :-)

What a wonderful idea....low-powered lasers carried by toy robots could kill a bug in spectacular fashion while being ‘fairly’ safe around populated areas.

I think you’ve just hit on a great concept for the next generation of video games ;-)