Is it permitted to start pursuits within 400 yards of baited areas?

In California, regulations prohibit initiating a chase within 400 yards of baited areas because it is considered unfair to pursue animals in such conditions. This rule exists to ensure fair hunting and trapping practices, as baiting can artificially attract wildlife and enhances the likelihood of a successful pursuit. The intent is to maintain ethical standards in wildlife management and hunting, so that animals are not at a disadvantage due to human intervention in their natural behavior or habitat. This prohibition helps to uphold the conservation principles that govern sustainable wildlife populations, thereby ensuring that both the animals and their ecosystems remain balanced.