By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters and residents to help protect the state’s deer herd by following baiting and feeding bans. Even in counties without restrictions, the agency urges the public to avoid these practices to reduce the risk of spreading disease.
Baiting refers to placing substances such as food, grains, salts, minerals, or scented materials to attract wild animals for hunting. Feeding is defined as placing materials to attract or feed wildlife for non-hunting purposes, including recreational or supplemental feeding, except for what is allowed for birds and small mammals.
Both activities cause deer to gather in unnatural numbers at concentrated sites, which can accelerate the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). The disease is passed through direct contact between infected and healthy deer or indirectly through contaminated environments.
CWD is an incurable neurological disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and caribou. It is caused by abnormal proteins, called prions, that damage the nervous system. Infected animals shed these prions in saliva, urine, feces, and blood. Once present, the prions can persist in the soil for years, making it easy for healthy deer to become exposed and difficult to contain outbreaks.
To reduce these risks, state law requires the DNR to enact baiting and feeding bans in any county where CWD has been confirmed in wild or captive deer, as well as in neighboring counties within 10 miles of a positive case. By statute, bans remain in effect for three years when CWD is found within a county and two years in adjoining counties.
If additional cases are detected during that period, the ban resets, extending restrictions another two to three years.
Exceptions are allowed for feeding birds and small mammals, provided feeders are placed within 50 yards of a home and designed to prevent deer access.
For details on current regulations and a county-by-county map of active bans, visit the DNR’s Baiting and Feeding Regulations webpage.
Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy