Hunters Urged To Follow The Law

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds hunters that in areas where the Department has received complaints of spotlighting or other suspicious activity, enforcement officers will be utilizing artificial simulated animals, also know as ASA's, which are life-like specimens of deer, elk, and other game species, to apprehend unlawful hunters. The use of such tools has been upheld in the court systems across the country as a legitimate method of apprehending violators and has aided in reducing illegal hunting activities. At least 30 states and several Canadian provinces have been utilizing ASA's since the late 1980's. Aside from the inherent danger in shooting from a vehicle or road, road hunting for wildlife brings to question the ethical behavior of some hunters. Even though the vast majority of hunters conduct themselves ethically and abide by the laws, those that do not continue to perpetuate a negative image for hunters. "Road hunters are the visible minority. They are what everyone sees, and many of their activities are bad for the image of all hunters," said Regional Conservation Officer Dave Cadwallader of Lewiston. Many of the citations issued to road hunters who violate game laws include spotlighting, trespassing, shooting from a motorized vehicle, shooting across the road and waste of game. The penalties for shooting an ASA can include a mandatory license revocation, a fine up to $1000 and-or a six month jail sentence.