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Cougar hunters in CO denied electronic aids
Posted: Nov 12, 2011 11:30 AM by AP Posted by James H Egbert
DENVER (AP) - Cougar hunters in Colorado have lost their fight to use electronic predator-call aids.
The Denver Post reports that the Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously Friday to maintain the state's prohibition on use of electronic calls in hunting any species.
Predator-call devices are programmed to emit sounds that mimic animals in distress to attract their predators.
They're used by hunters, as well as by wildlife photographers.
Friday's decision came after complaints that the electronic devices could lead to more accidental killings of female cougars with cubs. Also, conservationists argued the devices violate fair-chase principles.
There are an estimated 3,500 to 4,500 cougars in Colorado.
Wildlife managers recently raised the annual hunting limit to 618 from 592.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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