Baiting and Feeding Deer Are Now Illegal in Vermont

WATERBURY, VT - It is illegal to feed or bait deer in Vermont. A regulation was passed this year prohibiting both practices, due in large part to the threat of Chronic Wasting Disease found in deer, elk and moose in some other states and Canadian provinces.

The new Vermont regulation prohibits feeding wild deer at any time except:
1.       Under a license or permit issued by Fish & Wildlife for scientific research, mitigation of wildlife damage or nuisance problems, or wildlife population reduction programs;
2.       By planting, cultivating or harvesting of crops directly associated with agricultural practices, including planted wildlife food plots;
3.       By distribution of food for livestock directly associated with agricultural practices;
4.       By the cutting of trees or brush.

The new regulation also makes it illegal to hunt or take any wild animal by using bait during any deer hunting season, except that trappers may use bait in taking furbearers. "Bait" is defined as any animal, vegetable, fruit or mineral matter placed with the intention of attracting wildlife. Natural and artificial substances from deer or that mimic the natural odors of deer (scents or lures) are not considered bait. Cover scents on your clothes are considered legal.

It is illegal to take deer by using bait with the following exceptions:
1.       Elevated bird/squirrel feeders providing seed, grain, fruit, worms, or suet for birds or squirrels located within 100 feet of a dwelling devoted to human occupancy

2.       Incidental feeding of wildlife within active livestock operations

3.       Standing crops planted and left standing as food plots for wildlife;

4.       Grain or other feed scattered or distributed solely as a result of normal agricultural, gardening, or soil stabilization practices; and

5.       Standing, flooded, or manipulated natural vegetation or food/seed deposited by natural vegetation.

To learn about other new deer hunting regulation changes, be sure to read: "Vermont Deer Hunting 2005," a publication explaining this year's deer hunting rules, available from license agents and from Vermont Fish & Wildlife's website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).

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For Further Information please contact: Robert Rooks at 802-241-3700