Missouri appeals court puts deer hunting ruling on hold

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri appeals court has put on hold a judge's ruling that struck down state regulations against the use of dogs and vehicles while hunting deer.

The firearms deer season begins Saturday in Missouri.

On Friday, the Southern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals stayed the effect of an Aug. 5 ruling by a Ripley County judge while the appeals process continues.

The judge had ruled certain regulations unconstitutional because they were vague and overly broad. At issue are regulations that prohibit "motor-driven air, land or water conveyances" while deer hunting, and which say deer cannot be "hunted, pursued, taken or killed with the aid of dogs."