Hound hunting of deer and other animals has always been controversial for its inhumane practices, and yet, it is a current practice of many deer hunters. Often, instinct takes over and hounds are lost from their humans and in some instances are never found. An amendment to the Mammal Hunting Code of Regulation 265 will allow GPS collars on hounds while hunting instead of the commonly used radio telemetry collars. While this sounds like it would be beneficial to lost hounds, if passed it will have unforeseen negative consequences on the wildlife and the environment.

When deer are hunted by hounds, they flee deep in to the forest, forcing the hounds to wander further and further away, and while tracking the deer, they disrupt the habitats of wildlife and potentially threaten the animals’ safety. In addition, the GPS allows for hunters to find the exact location of their intended victims, whom they will kill with the assistance of their hounds.

While lost dogs are a common problem for many hunters, a GPS tracker could be used to only further harass wildlife. If hunters can use GPS even more unfairly to locate the animals they intend to kill, what would prevent a poacher from using the same tool?  While poachers break the law regardless, GPS tracking will just make it easier for poachers to hunt and slaughter wild cats and bear. This cannot be allowed.

Please ask the California Fish and Game Commissioner to deny the changes to the Mammal Hunting Regulation 265 that currently prohibits the use of a GPS collar on hounds for hunting and ask them to join 39 other states that have completely banned deer hunting with hounds.  With or without GPS the entire act of running down a defenseless animal until he or she is exhausted, just to be mauled by a pack of hounds, is not only tragic, but  insane.

Click here to take action.