Idaho and Washington wildlife enforcement officers deploy “artificial simulated animals” during hunting season to catch law-breaking hunters.

The ASAsare life-like copies of deer, elk and other game species that look and move like the real thing. 

Don't think of it as government overreach. Sportsmen's clubs often take a stand against illegal hunting buy purchasing the robotic decoys and donating them to state wildlife police.

“Officers watch the animal and respond if someone violates the law,” said Idaho Fish and Game Chief of Enforcement Greg Wooten. “This tool is extremely important in our effort to curtail illegal activity that is otherwise undetectable.”

The simulated animals are typically used in areas where there’s a history of spotlighting, trespassing and road hunting. 

“This is similar to other law enforcement agencies watching an intersection based on reports of frequent instances of failing to stop at a stop sign, or monitoring speed compliance using radar,” Wooten said. 

People found guilty of shooting an artificial animal in Idaho will lose their license, face a fine up to $1,000 and a possible jail sentence of up to six months. A $50 minimum restitution penalty is assessed for shooting the bogus bucks to help maintain the decoys. 

Violators also can be cited for shooting from a road, trespassing, shooting from a motorized vehicle, and other related infractions that can increase penalties and fines. 

Judges across the country have upheld the use of ASAs and other tools to punish poachers, and judges and prosecutors typically treat ASA cases the same as shooting real animals.

More than 48 states and several Canadian provinces have been using artificial animals since the late 1980s.