an about time article

[james gilmer]

#2285

IMHO I think this is spot on

http://www.blackcreekqdm.com/seven-reasons-to-stop-baiting-whitetails-now/

[Larry O. Fischer]

#8234

I agree, growing up in Idaho I was appalled when I found out hunters baited deer in other states.

[David Petersen]

#8333

I too am glad to see this. Here’s an example of how it often pans out where baiting is legal on private lands: I have hunted with a friend in AR a couple of years on 200 acres of prime whitetail habitat with lots of deer. This friend is an ethical hunter who does not want to bait. But he is totally surround by other landowners who do bait. It is the tradition there, as anywhere it’s legal. Most of the year he has visible deer aplenty. Just before hunting seasons start the baiting heats up and most of his deer abandon his property for adjacent baited properties. And as soon as the hunting starts, even bowhunting, they go almost totally nocturnal (proven with game cams). While my friend hasn’t resorted to this yet, the pressure is tremendously heavy for even folks who don’t want to bait, to do it just to “even the odds.” To stop it, it must be illegal statewide and enforced. In W.VA where I’ve hunted, for example, baiting is illegal. Yet the locals drive around with trucks full of apples during hunting seasons, which they openly use in huge bait piles, and never get busted. Laws without teeth are worthless. Baiting isn’t hunting, period, and that’s why I’m against it. From the linked article, if you go to the home page, there’s a question box where you can enter your opinion on baiting. When I was there more than 2/3 of votes were in favor of outlawing baiting.

[james gilmer]

#8737

I am fortunate to live in MN where baiting is illegal. Still is it the single largest game violation our wardens hand out citations for. Sad to think a few have the ability to ruin it for so many.

I place a lot of the blame on the various hunting channels and the hunting industry that seems to have no problems pushing products that are supposed to pull the deer in. Very sad.

[Fallguy]

#8751

The other problem in MN is after they get ticket for baiting they go to court and the judge either throws it out or only fines them 50.00. Why because a deer ate his garden and he wants all deer dead.:evil:

[David Petersen]

#8776

jgilmer and Fallguy — you two pretty much nailed it IMO: hunting fashion is set by industry and advertising, just as the bigger cultural fashion is set by industry and advertising, and wildlife law enforcement is crippled by judges who fail to understand that crimes against wildlife are crimes against people as well.

It seems to me, in the big long picture, with hunting and beyond, that shortcutting and cheating in any aspect of life makes only losers.

[james gilmer]

#9420

The fines are actually higher than 50.00 see attached

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteer/sepoct08/bait.html

[Stephen Graf]

#9719

it’s not just deer, it’s ducks too. I’m sure just about all game species.

While duck hunting this year you could watch the ducks go from one bait pile to the next as they flew over our sorry decoys without even a second glance.

Another reason not mentioned in the article is that deer that are not baited are not as spooky. I am sure they know these piles are not natural and as soon as they start seeing them, they start looking up…

[Fallguy]

#10015

jgilmer, what many fail to realize is that in a court room the judge rules and he can apply what ever punishment he see fit. Even in a jury trial he can rule against the jury. There for if he feels that the fine is excessive he can reduce it to what ever he wants.

[lyagooshka]

#14009

OK, I guess I will add my $0.02.

First, the article was good, but I would like to see the “studies” it refers to in order to judge for myself (lies, damned lies and statistics…). Not saying they aren’t there, just saying that one person’s interpretation of something may not be the same as another’s.

Next, one huge question here (at least for me) is “What is baiting?”

Obviously a pile of corn in the middle of the woods would qualify. But how about this example:

Here in PA we can bait, but cannot hunt on any property within 30 days of that bait being removed. BUT, planting a food plot is NOT considered baiting. So, I plan a few food plots, fence them and take the fence down a few days prior to the season opener. Illegal? Nope! Immoral? Probably. But is it baiting?

How about a food plot with no fence?

I understand that many are rolling their eyes while reading this and would be quick to quote “common sense”, but one thing I have found about common sense is that it’s not all too common.

Another example I could use is sitting in your spot (stand, blind, whatever) and having lunch. You eat an apple you packed for yourself. You chuck the core into the woods knowing darn-well that it’s not littering. It will quickly be eaten or broken down and will become a part of nature just like any wild apple falling from a branch. But did you just bait? No? Well how about 2 apples? 3? What’s the limit?

And yet another thing to think about would be, is digging a pond in the middle of the dessert to attract every animal within 25 miles considered “baiting”? Is there a difference between “active” and “passive” baiting?

I am not trying to convince anyone of anything, just opening the discussion up a bit. I usually love playing “devil’s advocate”, but not to be disrespectful, only because I could never accept absolutes. I could never accept “never” or “always”.

Anyway, curious to hear what others think.

Be well,

Alex

😕

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