Alaska Bans Stun Gun Use While Hunting

Last week, the Alaska Board Game passed a stateside rule that prohibits the use of stun guns when hunting game or posing with it. This decision has been made in order to what the state’s wildlife officials call "catch and release hunting".

According to Larry Lewis, a biologist who works for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, there haven’t been any reports of something like this happening, but with no regulations on the book to outlaw such an action. He added that he is not aware of any other states in North America that have similar laws.

Law enforcement, Fish and Game staff along with others may be authorized to use the stun gun on wildlife, but only after taking a training course which is taught by Lewis, who is a certified gun instructor. After successfully completing the course, the participants will get a permit which will allow them to use the stun gun under certain conditions.

Lewis stated that approximately 25 state wildlife biologists have been properly trained in the use of such guns on wildlife so far. Despite the fact that stun guns can be used in order to immobilize a moose or a deer that have become entangled, he says that it isn’t recommended to use it on bears, except to scare them off.

This new rule does not prohibit Alaskan hunters from using stun guns on bear or moose if being attacked.