[Detrhoyt]

Dear MDC representative,

I would like to see a change in the regulations to allow for the baiting of deer. With food plots and manipulated crops being legal, it makes no sense that my neighbor can essentially create a giant bait pile by cutting his corn and beans just before hunting season, yet I am not allowed to place bagged corn out for the same purpose of luring in deer. The land I have available to hunt is simply not large enough for a food plot or row crops, and I feel I am at a distinct disadvantage because my neighbors plots and crops are keeping all of the deer on his land. All I have hope for during season are "passerby" deer, while he gets to be the destination for them. Again, with manipulating crops now a legal method of attracting deer, it simply makes no sense that a placed pile of corn remains an illegal method. I would appreciate your full consideration on this issue. Thank you for your time, and take care!

-Mike

[Edited on 12/13/2009 by Detrhoyt]

 

[Maconplc]

Baiting is a controversial issue, both in states that do, and do not allow it. There are a few items I think of when asked why baiting is not legal. First of all is the potential to spread disease. Deer eating from a bait pile are frequently nose to nose. Contrast that to a food plot or crop field where deer are in close proximity, but not nose to nose. While it is true that you can feed deer year round if you are not hunting them, MDC does not want to encourage the practice by allowing hunting over bait.

Another thing to consider is that a food plot provides nutrition for deer, as well as other wildlife for much of the year. Bait is generally placed in time to get deer coming in, then once the hunter is through hunting, the food goes away.

Finally, and most importantly - food is not necessarily the best attractant, especially when your neighbor has crop fields. It is often better to create cover and let the neighbor feed them. My advice would be to have your private land conservationist out to your farm and see what you can do to attract deer with what land you do have available. To find your private land conservationist, check the MDC website www.mdc.mo.gov or call your local NRCS office.

 

[OutbackBio]

We are blessed in MO that for the most part, we are not lacking food sources for whitetail deer. What is lacking over most of the state is quality cover. Food of course is necessary for survival but since it is not a limiting factor, most land managers should concentrate their efforts into managing quality habitat. Do not rule out native vegetation. Native Warm Season grasses provide many uses year round for deer. Bedding, nutrition, and thermal regulation are among the most important. Deer only spend a small percent of the day feeding on annual grains but browse often on native vegetation. By planting native grasses/forbs, shrubs, or managing your timber using Timber Stand Improvement techniques, you make your property more attractive to deer than just a pile of corn on the ground. You may also get a welcome surprise of more turkeys, quail, and rabbits on your property!
Also do not forget to work with your neighbors. Unless you have access to manage thousands of acres, the deer you see while on the stand do not exclusively stay on your property. Deer may travel up to 1 ½ miles or more. By working with adjoining landowners, you can effectively manage more property and the deer herd you may share.