Baiting Deer - Pro's And Con's

Baiting deer is a controversial topic for some hunters. People are divided as to whether baiting deer is ethical or not. However, it is popular on some ranches that breed deer. Yet, it is important to research the laws in your state, as it may even be illegal.

There are arguments on both side of the equation; but, many points lead to a favorable stance on baiting deer. Firstly, deaths and injuries occur each year related to deer hunting. Unfortunately, many of the deaths were needless and some people believe that baiting deer could reduce the number of deaths each year.

Baiting deer can prevent hunters from mistakenly identifying other hunters as a deer. Through baiting deer, hunters are given the opportunity and the time to identify their mark. Therefore, there is a lesser chance that another hunter will be shot when he is mistaken for a deer. In addition, baiting deer keeps the hunt controlled and therefore lowers the rate of death or injury.

Overpopulation of deer, in certain areas of the country, is a constant concern. In increases the chances of car/deer collisions. It also increases the likelihood of disease among the deer populations. Thus, through baiting deer, the deer population can be controlled. Lives can be saved.

Hunters would never be forced to hunt by baiting deer. They could still rely on traditional methods of deer hunting; however, the choice would be theirs.

In the alternative, some critics claim that baiting deer gives the hunter an unfair advantage and ruins the sport of hunting. Those critics claim that baiting deer is not only unethical but an unskilled way to hunt. They believe that hunting should depend on a hunter's ability to read the terrain, learn the animal's behaviors and habits and apply those skills to the hunt.

Some biologists believe that baiting deer will cause disease among the deer populations. They believe that baiting deer changes the way they feed, what they eat, their habits and behaviors. Baiting deer can be damaging in the dead of winter when food becomes more limited and the deer frequent the piles of bait. At those times, disease can spread quickly as the deer have contact with one another through nose contact, sneezing, saliva, urine or feces.

As information becomes more prevalent, hunters can decide which option is best for them. Whether baiting deer fits into your concept of hunting or not, it will remain a constant source of discussion and controversy.

>> Discuss this topic and others in the DNR-Pro.org Forums