Calif. ban draws interest in using hounds to hunt
By DON THOMPSON, Associated Press
Dec 25, 2012 7:54 AM CST
In this photo taken Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, Josh Brones, president of the California Houndsmen for Conservation, walks his hunting dogs, Dollar, left, Sequoia, center and Tanner right, near his home in Wilton, Calif. After Jan. 1, California hunters will no longer be able to use dogs to hunt bobcats...   (Associated Press)

California is ending an age-old tradition in which dogs are used to hunt bobcats and bears.

A new law that takes effect with the New Year bans the practice that critics contend is cruel and unsportsmanlike.

Houndsmen use dogs to track a bear and chase it up a tree, where hunters can get a good shot. However, for many houndsmen and their dogs, the thrill is in the chase, and they release the bear unharmed.

Seventeen states still permit the use of hounds to hunt bears, while 15 ban the practice. The other 18 do not allow bear hunting.

Supporters reported an increase in interest in the practice in the final months before California's ban takes effect.

California's bear season closed nearly two weeks early after hunters reached their limit of 1,700 bears.

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