Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region III wildlife officers remind hunters that baiting is illegal during hunting season. According to law, bait must have been removed and feeders disabled 10 days prior to hunting. There are many reasons for baiting laws, but these are often unknown, officials said.
“Most hunters aren’t familiar with the research regarding baiting that has taken place across the country,” stated Mike Beaty, TWRA wildlife sergeant.
“Wildlife officers spend a great deal of time educating hunters on this issue. Our job includes upholding wildlife laws and educating Tennesseans about wildlife”.
Deer utilizing bait piles learn and most often visit bait piles only at night. It has also been established that baiting concentrates deer and they are less likely to move to find forage. Therefore, hunters are less likely to see a fed deer. Deer congregating around bait piles are more likely to pass diseases; this includes interspecies diseases such as bovine tuberculosis. Studies have also revealed hunters are just as likely, if not more likely to harvest a deer without bait.
Baiting often causes social controversies too. Hunters baiting on public lands typically become territorial of the public area they’re hunting. Furthermore, non-hunters are more accepting of fair game hunts.
“We want our hunters to be successful and enjoy lawfully enjoy our resources. If you find a baited area, report it to your regional TWRA office, stated Mr. Beaty. For more information on wildlife laws visit tnwildlife.org.