'KillShot' camera aims to take harm out of hunting

[bassethound]

Three brothers are seeking funding for their prototype 'KillShot' product, a new camera disguised as a rifle that enables hunters to collect "digital photo trophies" rather than actual kills.

The KillShot is intended to appeal to people who enjoy the thrill of the hunt, including stalking and outfoxing their prey, but don't actually want to kill an animal.

Brothers Randall, Daniel and Michael Gregg have produced a prototype of the camera that looks exactly like a hunting rifle, although the crosshairs serve as the camera lens for taking photos rather than shots.

All 'KillShots' taken have the crosshairs printed on the image, showing where the shot would have been. The rifle features an SD card for storing images, along with a USB port.

Any photos taken on the rifle can be posted on a dedicated website, according to the brothers, and shared with other hunting enthusiasts.

The project has posted on the Kickstarter website with the aim of attracting $15,000 (£9,500) of funding. It currently has 28 backers pledging $2,291, but must make up the remainder by April 1 to secure funding to go ahead.

The brothers said that the product could serve as a hunting safety aid, but added that it will also "give the experience of hunting without harming wildlife".

They said: "The KillShot becomes a digital photo trophy instead of the body part of an animal being kept as a trophy.

"The crosshairs will show on the photo where the shot would have been, the background will show if the shot was safe or unsafe by allowing you to see what was beyond the target. It will teach gun safety, ethical shot placement and the sport of hunting all in one!

"You will be able to post KillShots on a website that will come with the Rifle. Share photos, talk about hunts, and tell the story of how you managed to capture your photo."