Deer baiting is a controversial topic. Ethically, many hunters view it with disdain because it violates the fair-chase standards they hold dear. Biologically, deer bating brings concentrations of deer into one location, which increases the probability of communicable disease spreading amongst deer. Regulations vary from state to state, with some regulations allowing bait on private land, but prohibiting it on public property. In Texas, for example, baiting is the normal course of deer hunting on many properties. Outdoor TV shows often show corn on the ground near deer blinds and tree stands. However, baiting is illegal in Minnesota as this post from the Duluth News Tribute reports.

Deer baiting continues to be an issue in Minnesota’s firearms deer season this fall, according to Department of Natural Resources enforcement officials. As of Thursday, 140 baiting citations had been issued to hunters in addition to 42 warnings, DNR officials said. Deer baiting, illegal in Minnesota since 1991, continues to be the  No. 1 violation among big-game hunters in the state, according to the DNR. In baiting, hunters typically place corn, apples, pumpkins or other food near their deer stands in hopes of attracting a deer… [continued]

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