In preparation for the November portion of firearms deer season, Nov. 11 – 21, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters to comply with baiting regulations. Using bait to attract deer this fall is illegal, including placing grain or other feed on the ground or scattering it around.
Purpose
Southeast Region Protection Branch Captain Russell Duckworth said,
The regulations aim to limit the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer and ensure fair chase [1].
Deer bait does include grain or feed placed or scattered to attract them.
Deer baiting does not include maneuvering crops, such as cutting them down or mowing them.
Regulations
- An area is considered baited for ten days after the complete removal of the bait. This would be November 1.
- A hunter can be in violation if they take or attempt to take a deer with the aid of bait where the hunter knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited.
- Placing bait in a way that causes others to violate the baiting rule is illegal.
- Doe urine and other scents may attract deer while hunting as long as the scents are not used on or with grain or other food products.
- Mineral blocks, including salt, are not considered bait. However, mineral blocks that contain grain or other food additives are prohibited.
- The use of mineral blocks and salt is not allowed in conservation areas.
- It is legal to hunt over a harvested crop field, but it is not legal to add grain or other crops, such as apples, to the field after it has been harvested.
- Additional rules apply if hunting in a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone.
To learn more about firearm rules for deer, you can go here or go to the MDC website here.
Notes:
- ^ {{MDC reminds deer hunters of baiting regulations ahead of opening weekend}} (go back ↩)
