MOSES LAKE -- If electronic waterfowl decoys are legal in 47 states, why not Washington?

Mike Meseberg, a Mar Don Resort waterfowl guide for four decades at Potholes Reservoir south of Moses Lake, said the state is silly to hold out on allowing hunters to add electronic decoys to their bag of tricks.

"It will create more enthusiasm for hunting, be good for stores that sell waterfowling equipment, increase revenue from hunting licenses and make hunters more successful," he said. "It's a no-brainer."

As vice chairman of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department, Meseberg floated the electronic decoy proposal to the group and got majority support, although it was not unanimous.

He and a Western Washington waterfowl guide petitioned the Fish and Wildlife Commission to consider reversing the 2002 vote to ban electronic decoys in Washington. The decision will be made in April.

To a novice hunter, having an electronic decoy can make the difference between getting a bird or two and getting skunked, Meseberg said.

"Success is what drives the industry," he said. "A hunter who succeeds buys more gear, stays at motels, eats at restaurants and keeps hunting."

He said he's frustrated by state officials who are reluctant to do simple things that generate revenue.

However, hunters who oppose use of electronic decoys said they don't want to have to buy electronic gear just to keep up with the hunters in the adjoining marsh.