Electronic hunting devices deemed legal

PATTON -- Deer season is just a week away, and hunters have a few more options after a handful of devices were deemed legal in Pennsylvania over the weekend.

Hunters can now use electronic decoys for waterfowl and doves, electronically heated scent or lure dispensers and machines that emit ozone gas to disguise human smells from nearby animals.

The Board of Game Commissioners approved the move for in September.

Lee Stanek owns Bub Archery and Hunting Supplies in Patton.

He said many hunters already use these devices. "I think the law is a bit behind the times," he said.

Heading into deer season, Stanek said hunters should be cautious near areas with chronic wasting disease, and remember the standard safety tips.

"Always wear enough orange. I don't think there is any such thing as 'too much orange.' and the big thing we like to tell people is to be sure of your target before you pull the trigger," Stanek said.

The Game Commission also released regulation changes for rifles and air guns for hunting small game.

According to the Pennsylvania Bulletin, to hunt small game, woodchucks or furbearers, airguns must be between .117 and .22-caliber when used within special regulations areas and semiautomatic rifles should be .22-caliber rimfire or less.

"Outside of Special Regulations Areas, semiautomatic rifles must be .22-caliber rimfire or less for small game, and there is no caliber restriction for woodchucks or furbearers. Only single-projectile ammunition may be used," the Game Commission said in a release.

Special Regulations Areas include Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

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