Robotic deer stops poachers in Washington state

Image 1 of 5

The state of Washington is using animal decoys to catch poachers.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife deployed mock deer, bear, elk, and other bait to catch illegal hunters.

State officials say the decoys are lifelike, made with real animal skin, and controlled remotely.

Hunting is generally permitted between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. during the season, but many poachers go out after dark and use spotlights to blind deer and lessen their reaction time.

The decoys have already caught dozens of poachers.

State officials say the technology is a great way to maintain a healthy big-game population.