Pa. hunter fined for shooting mechanical pheasant
Associated Press


MEYERSDALE, Pa. - When a hunter got out of his vehicle and shot at a
pheasant, he didn't realize it was part of a ploy.


The bird actually was a mechanical pheasant used by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to trap hunters illegally shooting within 25 yards of the road.


Bryan Harris, 22, of Meyersdale, was cited for the Oct. 26 incident. On
Tuesday, a district judge fined Harris $150.


Game officials said illegal hunting is a year-round problem and they use
phony deer, turkeys and pheasants to battle the problem. When the hunters shoot, hidden game officials appear.


Harris declined comment Wednesday morning.