Game wardens in Wyoming are using decoys of big game animals to nab poachers who take illegal shots at them while they are under surveillance. But some hunters think the bait constitutes entrapment. Game and Fish officials note court rulings have upheld the fact that no one is being encouraged to shoot at the decoys, and the mere presence of an opportunity to take a wild animal does not constitute entrapment.
Decoys are usually set along public roads in hunt areas and are normally used in one- or two-day operations. Some states also deploy mechanical deer replicas, or “robo” deer, that mimic the animal's movements.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department wardens set up an antelope decoy at a remote site northeast of Casper back in October. Officials said 29 vehicles drove by the decoy during the day. Ten drivers stopped for a look. Hunters in eight of the cars took shots at the decoy, but only two of them did so legally.
Decoys are usually set along public roads in hunt areas and are normally used in one- or two-day operations. Some states also deploy mechanical deer replicas, or “robo” deer, that mimic the animal's movements.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department wardens set up an antelope decoy at a remote site northeast of Casper back in October. Officials said 29 vehicles drove by the decoy during the day. Ten drivers stopped for a look. Hunters in eight of the cars took shots at the decoy, but only two of them did so legally.
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