Where You Can and Can’t Feed Deer

While compiling this list it was interesting to see the variations in each states treatment of feeding for deer.  Every state has it own hunting regulations and unique quirks that range from absolute hard bans on the use of any form of deer feed all the way to extremely lax regulations on its use. Perhaps in a future post we’ll dive into the history of hunting regulations and why they are the way they are.

Some examples of unique regulations are the requirement to remove bait a period of time prior to hunting or the start of the hunting season, only being able to bait during hunting season, having to keep bait out of sight of hunter, the requirement to keep bait a minimum distance away from the hunter, or having to  ensure the volume of bait does not exceed a certain amount.

For quick reference we have assembled the following table summarizing the regulations in each state.  Please note these are general guidelines and typically only refer to private land regulations. As a general rule some states allow feeding on private lands while most disallow it on public hunting areas.  

Bottom line, always check the regulations in the area you are hunting yourself before heading out.

(You can click on the state to jump down to read the regulation.)

If you know of a change in the law and see that we haven’t updated our records, please email us and let us know.  As you can imagine it’s hard to keep up with the ever evolving regulations of 50 states on our own! Thanks.

*Valid in certain counties/areas/dates

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
https://www.outdooralabama.com/

As we read this it is legal to feed for deer so long as it is at least 100 yards away and is not in the line of sight of the hunter. The feed needs to be hidden from view by natural vegetation or terrain features.  An additional quirk is that you may hunt over an area that had deer feed but the feed has to have been removed or consumed at least 10 days prior to hunting that area.

Regulation:

220-2-.11 Prohibited Methods and Devices for Hunting (a) It shall be unlawful to concentrate, drive, rally, molest or to hunt, take, capture or kill or attempt to hunt, take, capture or kill any bird or animal from or by the aid of:

(7) Any area where feeding has taken place, until all the feed has been removed or consumed for at least 10 days prior to such hunting.

220-2-.157 Definition of Area Regulation 37 For the purposes of Section 9-11-244, Code of Alabama 1975, and Rule 220-2-.11, Alabama Administrative Code, as it applies to the hunting of deer and feral swine, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that any bait or feed (as defined in Section 9-11-244) located beyond 100 yards from the hunter and not within the line of sight of the hunter, is not a lure, attraction or enticement to, on or over the area where the hunter is attempting to kill or take the deer or feral swine. For the purpose of this regulation, “not within the line of sight” means being hidden from view by natural vegetation or naturally occurring terrain features. This regulation shall not apply on public lands.

Definition of bait:

Section 9-11-244

Taking, etc., of protected birds or animals by means of bait.

No person at any time shall take, catch, kill or attempt to take, catch or kill any bird or animal protected by law or regulation of the State of Alabama by means, aid or use, directly or indirectly, of any bait such as shelled, shucked or unshucked corn or of wheat or other grain, salt or any other feed whatsoever that has been so deposited, placed, distributed or scattered as to constitute for such birds or animals a lure, attraction or enticement to, on or over the area where such hunter or hunters are attempting to kill or take them; provided, that such birds or animals may be taken under properly shocked corn and standing crops of corn, wheat or other grain or feed and grains scattered solely as a result of normal agricultural harvesting and provided further, migratory birds may be hunted under the most recent provisions established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources within the limits of the federal regulations.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=home.main

It appears that the use of deer feed is illegal in Alaska.

Regulation:

You MAY NOT take game by:
Intentionally or negligently feeding deer, elk, moose, bear, wolf, coyote, fox, wolverine, sheep, or deleterious exotic wildlife, or intentionally leaving human food, animal food, mineral supplements or garbage in a manner that attracts these animals, EXCEPT: you may hunt wolves, fox, and wolverine with game parts that are not required to be salvaged.

Arizona Game and Fish Department
https://www.azgfd.com/

This state is pretty clear.  You cannot feed for deer or any other game animal.  You can only use salt or mineral licks.

Regulation:

Attracting Wildlife with Unlawful Measures

R12-4-303 A 2 c, Page 126 Using any lure, attractant, or cover scent containing any cervid (deer) urine to take wildlife is unlawful.

R12-4-303 4, page 126 Using edible or ingestible substances, other than water or salt/mineral products produced for the livestock industry, to aid in the taking of big game is unlawful.

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
https://www.agfc.com/en/

It appears to be completely legal to feed for deer and hunt over that feed on private lands.  You just can’t use deer scents that contain deer urine or other biofluids of a deer to attract them.

Regulation:

Feeding and Baiting Wildlife

Baiting is defined as the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of salt, grain or other feed that could serve as a lure or an attraction for wildlife to, on or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.

It is legal to feed wildlife, with these exceptions:

• Bears may not be fed or baited for any reason, including photography or viewing, unless it is 30 days before bear season through the end of bear season on private land in bear zones 1, 2, 5 and 5A.
• Baiting is not allowed on wildlife management areas.
• Deer and elk may be hunted over bait in the CWD Management Zone from Sept. 1-Dec. 31 on private land only.
• Migratory birds, wild turkeys, waterfowl or crows may not be hunted over bait if the hunter knows, or should reasonably know, the area is baited.
• An area is considered baited for 10 days following complete removal of the bait.
• Alligators may not be fed or baited for any reasons, including hunting, photography or viewing

It is illegal to use deer scents, lures or other items that contain natural deer urine or other biofluids taken from deer.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/

It appears to be illegal to use deer feed in California.

Regulation:

IT IS UNLAWFUL TO:

• Knowingly feed big game mammals. CCR T14-251.3.
• Take game birds and mammals within 400 yards of any baited area.This does not apply to the taking of game birds and mammals on or over standing crops, croplands, or grains found scattered solely as the result of normal agricultural operations or procedures. CCR T14-257.5.
• Take  bears within  400 yards of any  garbage dump or bait. CCR T14-365(e).

Colorado Parks & Wildlife
https://cpw.state.co.us/

This state is pretty clear.  You cannot feed for deer or any other game animal.  You may not even use salt or mineral licks. Basically you can’t do anything.  Period.

Regulation:

#021 – FEEDING OR ATTRACTING WILDLIFE

1. Except as provided in subsections (A)(1-4) of this regulation no person shall place, deposit, distribute or scatter grain, hay, minerals, salt, or other foods so as to intentionally constitute a lure, attraction or enticement for big game not lawfully held in captivity.
2. Crops and crop aftermath, including hay, alfalfa and grains, produced, harvested, stored or fed to domestic livestock in accordance with normal agricultural practices shall not be subject to this regulation.
3. When the Director determines it necessary to authorize feeding to prevent damage to private property.
4. When the Director determines it necessary to authorize feeding to mitigate the population loss anticipated by a predicted winter mortality that will exceed 30 percent of the adult female segment of a big game ungulate population in any one Game Management Unit.
5. When the Director determines it appropriate to feed big game as a part of a research or management program.
6. It shall be unlawful to place or deposit minerals or salt in an area so as to constitute a lure or attractant for wildlife. Nothing in this regulation shall restrict the use of salt or mineral blocks in normal agricultural practices.
7. Except as provided in subsections (A)(1-4) of this regulation no person shall place, deposit, distribute or scatter any food or other substance so as to intentionally constitute a lure, attraction or enticement for coyotes or fox in an area where the discharge of firearms is precluded by law. This regulation shall not apply to any person using any bait or other attractants for the purpose of luring coyotes and fox for take as otherwise authorized by law.

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
https://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2700&q=323414&deepNav_GID=1633

It appears that so long as you are in deer management zones 11 and 12 and on private lands only that you can use deer feed and salt/mineral licks as well as scent attractants.

Regulation:

Use of Attractants for Deer Hunting

The following attractants may be used while hunting deer in Connecticut:

1. Deer decoys during the early and late archery seasons only.
2. All types of scent attractants (i.e., doe in heat, buck lure, urine, tarsal glands, food smells, smoke pole) that provide no substance for deer to consume.
3. All types of sound attractants (i.e., doe calls, buck calls, antler rattling, electronic calls).
4. Hunting over planted fields where normal agricultural planting, harvesting, or post-harvest manipulation is used.

In addition to the attractants listed above, the following are allowed on PRIVATE LANDS ONLY while hunting deer in DEER MANAGEMENT ZONES 11 and 12.

1. Minerals or chemicals that may be safely consumed by deer (i.e., salt licks).
2. Artificial or natural foods placed, scattered, distributed or deposited (i.e., hay, grains, fruit, nuts and other foods that may be safely consumed by deer).

Note: It is strongly recommended that individuals hunting on private lands in zones 11 and 12 consult with landowners prior to placing attractants on their property.

Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife
https://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Pages/DFW-Portal.aspx

It is odd how they word it for this state but apparently it is legal to use deer feed in Delaware on private lands only.

Regulation:

PROHIBITED METHODS OF TAKE – IT IS UNLAWFUL TO:

• Use bait to hunt game, except bait may be used to hunt deer on privately-owned lands.

RULES FOR STATE WILDLIFE AREAS

Baiting for deer hunting is prohibited

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
https://myfwc.com/

This is oddly worded but apparently on private lands only you can feed for deer and hunt in the area where feeding is taking place so long as you have been feeding at least 6 months prior to the hunt.  

Regulations:

Feeding resident game

Taking game on lands or waters upon which corn, wheat, grain, food or other substances have been deposited by means other than normal agricultural harvesting or planting is prohibited, except as noted below.

Non-migratory game may be hunted in proximity of year-round game-feeding stations on private lands, provided the feeding station has been maintained with feed for at least six months prior to taking game.

Wild turkey may not be taken if the hunter is less than 100 yards from a game feeding station when feed is present.

The intentional placement of feed or garbage in a manner that is likely to create or creates a public nuisance by attracting foxes, coyotes or raccoons is prohibited. Placing, offering or allowing the placement of feed or garbage that is likely to create or creates a public nuisance by attracting bears is prohibited after receiving written notification from the FWC. The intentional feeding of bears or sandhill cranes is prohibited.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
https://georgiawildlife.com/

Apparently it is legal to feed for deer and hunt over the feed in private lands  but only in certain counties. In the other counties the feed must be at least 200 yards away and out of sight of the hunter.  Be sure to check on what you can do in the county in which you’ll be hunting.

Regulation:

BAITING Bait: corn, wheat, other grains, salts, apples, and other feed that has been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered so as to constitute a lure, attraction, or enticement to game animals or game birds.

IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO:

• Hunt any game animal (except as noted below) or game bird upon, over, around, or near bait.
• Hunt any area for a period of 10 days following complete removal of all bait.
• Hunt any big game or feral hog over bait or place bait on any State or Federal managed lands.
• Place bait in a manner that will cause hunting on an adjacent property to be prohibited.

Taking of any big game over bait is subject to a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months.

EXCEPTIONS FOR DEER (ZONE LIMITED):

• In Harris, Talbot, Taylor, Peach, Houston, Twiggs, Wilkinson, Washington, Jefferson and Burke Counties and all counties south of these, deer may be hunted over or near any bait on private lands provided the hunter has written permission from the landowner.
• In Troup, Meriwether, Upson, Crawford, Bibb, Jones, Baldwin, Hancock, Glascock, Warren, McDuffie and Richmond Counties and all counties north of these, it is unlawful to hunt deer within 200 yards or within line of sight of bait.

EXCEPTIONS FOR FERAL HOGS (STATEWIDE):

• Feral hogs may be hunted over or near bait on private lands year round in every county provided that the bait is not placed within 50 yards of any property ownership boundary.
• Placing bait for hogs may make a property (or portion of a property) un-huntable for other species, such as turkeys. Hunters are urged to communicate with others who may hunt other species on or near an area where baiting for deer or hogs is being considered.

Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/

It doesn’t appear to be illegal to use deer feed in Hawaii.

Regulation:

Hunting on Private Land: Game mammals may be hunted year-round on private land. Hunters must possess a valid State of Hawai‘i hunting license and have the permission of the landowner. Hunting fees, permitted hunting weapons and methods and other prohibitions and requirements for hunting game mammals on private land are established by the landowner.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game
https://idfg.idaho.gov/

This state is pretty clear that it is illegal to use deer feed and salt/mineral licks but you may use liquid scent.

Regulation:

It is unlwaful to:

• To hunt any game animal/bird by means of baiting with the exception of applicable rules for black bear baiting permit and gray wolf trapping (see black bear and wolf sections). Bait is defined as any substance including grain, salt in any form (liquid or solid), or any other substance placed to attract game animals/birds, except liquid scent for deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Pages/default.aspx

It appears that it is illegal to use deer feed in Illinois.

Regulation:

Feeding Wildlife

It is unlawful to make available food, salt, mineral blocks or other products for ingestion by wild deer or other wildlife in areas where wild deer are present at any time. Except:

• 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.
• incidental feeding of wildlife within active livestock operations.
• feeding of wild animals, other than wild deer, by hand as long as a reasonable attempt is made to clean up unconsumed food.
• feeders for wildlife other than deer so long as deer are excluded from the feed in and around the feeder by fencing or other barriers.
• standing crops planted and left standing as food plots for wildlife.
• grain or other feed scattered or distributed solely as a result of normal agricultural, gardening or soil stabilization practices.
• standing, flooded or manipulated natural vegetation or food/seed deposited by natural vegetation.
• grain or other feed distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown, for purposes of dove hunting.
• food material placed for capturing or killing wildlife pursuant to 520 ILCS 5/2.37, 2.30, and 1.3.
• scientific permits issued pursuant to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 520 that allow food to attract wildlife.
• any other permits issued by DNR that require the attraction of wildlife for purposes of management, research or control.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
https://www.in.gov/dnr/

It appears that it is legal to use deer feed in Indiana up to 10 days before hunting an area.

Regulation:

Fair Chase It is illegal to use bait, salt, snares, dogs or other domesticated animals to take deer. Bait is considered any product that is transported into a hunting area and placed there for animal consumption. Baits can be in the form of salt, mineral blocks, prepared solid or liquid, or piles of apples or other food that is intended for the animal to eat. An area is considered to be baited for 10 days after the removal of the bait and any affected soil. Dogs may be used while on a leash only to track or trail wounded deer. Artificial deer decoys are legal for deer hunting.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources
https://www.iowadnr.gov/

It appears that it is illegal to use deer feed in Iowa.

Regulation:

PROHIBITED DEVICES & ACTIVITIES

You may not use dogs, domestic animals, bait, radios, handguns, rifles and crossbows (except as described below), automobiles, aircraft, electronic calls or any mechanical conveyance or device to hunt deer. Paraplegics and single- or double-leg amputees may hunt from any stationary motor driven conveyance. “Paraplegic” means an individual afflicted with paralysis of the lower half of the body with the involvement of both legs, usually due to disease or injury to the spinal cord. “Bait” means grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay, salt, mineral blocks, or any other natural food materials, commercial products containing natural food materials, or by-products of such materials transported to or placed in an area for the purpose of attracting wildlife. Bait does not include livestock feed placed during normal agricultural activities.

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
https://ksoutdoors.com/

It appears that it is legal to use deer feed in Kansas.

Regulation:

• It is legal to bait deer, turkey, and other non-migratory game animals on private lands. It is not legal to bait while hunting or preparing to hunt on department or WIHA lands.

Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
https://fw.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx

It appears that using deer feed is legal in Kentucky on private lands.

Regulation:

• Baiting is prohibited on all WMAs, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, Land Between The Lakes and state parks open to hunting.
• Wild turkey or bears shall not be hunted by the aid of bait, nor shall areas be hunted where bait is present. This includes private lands baited for deer. An area is considered baited for 30 days after all bait has been removed. A baited area is any place where feed, grains or other substances capable of luring wild turkeys or bears have been placed. An area where grains or other feeds exist as the result of legitimate agricultural practices, or as the result of growing or manipulating a crop for wildlife management is legal for hunting.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/

It appears that using deer feed is legal on private lands only.

Regulation:

Baiting, hunting over bait, or possession of bait is prohibited on all WMAs EXCEPT bait may be kept in a vehicle traversing a WMA road or parked on a WMA road. Bait is defined as any substance used to attract game via ingestion.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
https://www.maine.gov/ifw/index.html

It appears that using deer feed is illegal in Maine.

Regulation:

Placement of bait for hunting purposes:

As used in this section, “bait” means an animal, plant, or part thereof used to attract wild animals for the purpose of hunting.

A Person Placing Bait for Hunting Purposes Must:

• Obtain oral or written permission from the landowner or landowner’s agent.
• Plainly label the bait with a 2-inch by 4-inch tag containing the name and address of the baiter.
• Clean up the bait site immediately upon landowner request; or if not requested, within 20 days of the last day the site is hunted.

A Person May Not:

• Hunt over another person’s bait site without the baiter’s permission.
• Place any medicinal, poisonous, or stupefying substance to entice any animal.

Species-specific Baiting Laws:

• Baiting deer is prohibited.
• Baiting moose and turkey is prohibited September to December 15.
• Baiting turkey is prohibited during the spring wild turkey season.
• Further restrictions apply to bear baiting, see Bear Bait.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources
https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

It appears that using deer feed is legal on private lands only.

Regulation:

• It is legal to bait deer except on state owned or state-controlled properties.

Massachusetts Division of Fish & Wildlife
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife

It appears that using deer feed is illegal in Massachusetts within 10 days of the start of deer season unless you’re hunting crows.

Regulation:

Baiting migratory game birds, wild turkey, bear, or deer during or within 10 days of the start of the season. This does not apply to the hunting of crows.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/

It appears that using deer feed is illegal in certain areas of the state but it is legal in others only during hunting season.  Be sure to check out your area for yourself.

Regulation:

Baiting and Feeding Prohibitions for Deer and Elk

Bait means a substance composed of grains, minerals, salt, fruits, vegetables, hay, or other food materials, which may lure, entice, or attract deer as an aid in hunting.

Baiting is illegal in DMU 333 and DMU 419, as well as Alcona, Alpena, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Shiawassee counties.

In the rest of Michigan, the following rules apply:

• Baiting may occur only from Sept. 15 – Jan. 1.
• Bait volume at any hunting site cannot exceed two gallons.
• Bait dispersal must be over a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot area.
• Bait must be scattered directly on the ground. It can be scattered by any means, including mechanical spin-cast feeders, provided that the spin-cast feeder does not distribute more than the maximum volume allowed.
• To minimize exposure of deer to diseases that may be present, the DNR recommends not placing bait or feed repeatedly at the same point on the ground, and only baiting when actively hunting.

Feed means a substance composed of grain, mineral, salt, fruit, vegetable, hay, or other food material, that may attract deer or elk for any reason other than hunting. Feeding of any kind is illegal in DMU 333, DMU 419 and DMU 487. In the rest of Michigan, the following rules apply:

• Feed volume at any residence cannot exceed two gallons.
• Feed may be no more than 100 yards from a residence on land owned or possessed by that person.
• Feed must be scattered on the ground. It can be scattered by any means, including mechanical spin-cast feeders, provided that the spin-cast feeder does not distribute more than the maximum volume allowed.
• Feed must be at least 100 yards from any area accessible to cattle, goats, sheep, new world camelids, bison, swine, horses, or captive cervidae. Food plots — naturally occurring foods, standing agricultural crops, or food placed as a result of using normal agricultural practices are not considered to be bait or feed. Constructing or maintaining any food plot or any artificial garden to attract wildlife on public land is prohibited.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/

In an oddly worded way it appears that using deer feed is legal up to 10 days prior to the start of deer season except in certain prohibited areas.  Be sure to check out your area for yourself.

Regulation:

• Deer feeding is prohibited in areas where chronic wasting disease has been detected in captive deer. This includes all of Aitkin, Crow Wing, Kandiyohi, McCleod, Meeker, Morrison, Stearns, Wright and portions of Cass, Mille Lacs and Renville counties.
• Deer feeding and deer attractants continue to be prohibited in southeast counties surrounding zone 603. This includes Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted and Winona counties. There are also special deer hunting regulations in deer permit area 603.

Hunting Method Restrictions—Hunting Deer With Bait is Illegal

Hunters are not allowed to take deer with the aid or use of bait. “Taking” includes attempting to take.

Definitions

• Bait—includes grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay, or other food that is capable of attracting or enticing deer and has been placed by a person.
• Baiting—means placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering bait that is capable of attracting or enticing deer.

What is bait? Liquid scents (example: doe in heat), sprays, salt, and minerals are not bait if they do not contain liquid or solid food products. Read the ingredient label on all products prior to use. Many products, including newer liquid, powder and block forms, contain food or attractants such as grains, fruits, and sugar derivatives (glucose, dextrose, and fructose). If a salt or mineral product has anything other than salt or mineral in it, it is illegal to use for hunting.

A person otherwise in compliance with this section who is hunting on private or public property that is adjacent to the property where bait or food is present is not in violation if the person has not participated in, been involved with, or agreed to baiting or feeding wildlife on the adjacent property.

Removal of bait—All bait must be completely removed for 10 days prior to hunting.

Agricultural crops from normal or accepted farming, forest management, wildlife food plantings, orchard management, or other similar land management activities are not bait.

What’s normal? This exclusion does not apply to agricultural crops that have been reintroduced and concentrated where a person is hunting.

Example—A person has an abundance of an agricultural crop and intends to use it as “green manure” or fertilizer. A person may reintroduce the agricultural crop to the field by spreading it out over a previously planted field. If the landowner piles or concentrates the agricultural crop where they hunt deer, it would be considered bait.

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks
https://www.mdwfp.com/

It appears to be legal to use deer feed in Mississippi.

Regulation:

Title 40: Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Part 2: Wildlife

Part 2, Chapter 2: White-tailed Deer

RULE 2.4 SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING OF WILD ANIMALS OUTSIDE OF WILDLIFE ENCLOSURES.

1. To properly manage wildlife in Mississippi, MDWFP Biologists recommend a complete wildlife management program which includes:
2. Habitat management practices to improve overall habitat conditions;
3. Supplemental plantings that provide year-round forage;
4. Education of hunters and land managers;
5. Deer herd management to balance sex ratio, age structure, and population numbers within available habitat; and
6. Not allowing feeding to replace a complete wildlife management program.
7. It shall be unlawful to feed any wild animals except as provided in this rule.
8. Supplemental Feeding of Wild Animals: It shall be lawful to feed wild animals, year round, on private lands subject to the following restrictions:
9. Feed may only be provided from above ground covered feeders or stationary spin cast feeders.
10. Any type of feed or food product may be used in feeders:
11. Feeders may be placed no closer than 100 yards from the outermost boundary of an area of sole ownership or exclusive hunting rights.
12. Feed may not be poured, piled, or placed directly on the ground.
13. Salt/mineral stations, blocks, and/or licks may be established. These stations, blocks, and/or licks may not contain any corn or grain products.
14. From February 15 – September 30, milo, grain sorghum, and/or wheat may be evenly broadcast at a rate not to exceed 50 pounds per acre.
15. Feeding of migratory birds is regulated pursuant to Federal regulations set forth at 50 CFR 20.11 and 20.21(i).
16. Supplemental Feeding During Any Hunting Season: From the opening day of deer archery season to the close of the spring turkey season, hunters must be no less than 100 yards away from any feed, or a feeder which contains feed.
17. This Regulation Does Not Apply To:
18. Food plots, standing crops, grain crops properly shucked on the field where grown, or grains found scattered solely as the result of normal agricultural planting or harvesting.
19. Lands where shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed has been distributed or scattered as the result of bona fide agricultural operations or procedures, or as a result of manipulation of a crop or other feed on the land where grown for wildlife management purposes. Manipulation of crops or other feed for wildlife management purposes does not include the adding, distributing, or scattering of grain or other feed (i.e., sweet potatoes, turnips, etc.) once it has been removed from or stored on the field where grown.
20. Licensed trappers trapping furbearers or nuisance animals with the aid of lure as provided by Miss. Code Ann. §49-7-33 and 40 Admin Code Part 2, Chapter 7, Rule 7.1 (Nuisance Animal Regulations).
21. Persons lawfully permitted to hunt or trap game animals, furbearers, nuisance animals, or game birds by an Animal Control Permit set forth in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-1-39 as issued by the MDWFP.
22. “Backyard” bird/squirrel feeders, placed within the curtilage of the home, are exempt from the provisions of this rule. 6. Feeders within wildlife enclosures.

Missouri Department of Conservation
https://mdc.mo.gov/

It appears that using deer feed is legal up to 10 days prior to the start of deer season.  Some salt/mineral licks are legal as well.

Regulation:

BAITING REGULATIONS

Prohibited

Use of bait — which includes grain or other feed placed or scattered so as to attract deer or turkeys — while hunting is illegal.

An area is considered baited for 10 days after complete removal of the bait.

A hunter can be in violation if they take or attempt to take a deer or turkey by the aid of bait where the hunter knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited.

It is illegal to place bait in a way that causes others to be in violation of the baiting rule.

Mineral and salt blocks are not allowed on conservation areas.

Additional rules apply in the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zones.

Allowed

Doe urine and other scents, such as apple, acorn, and persimmon, may be used to attract deer while hunting, as long as the scents are not used on or with grain and other food products.

Mineral blocks, including salt, are not considered bait. However, mineral blocks that contain grain or other food additives are prohibited. Mineral and salt blocks are not allowed on 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.

Manipulating crops, such as mowing or knocking them down, is not considered baiting for deer and turkeys.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
https://fwp.mt.gov/default.html

It appears that using deer feed is illegal in Montana.

Regulation:

Baiting

• It is unlawful for anyone to hunt or attempt to hunt by the aid of or with the use of any bait, salt lick, trap, snare or set gun.
• Baiting shall mean the placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of food sources or salt so as to constitute a lure or attraction.

Nebraska Game and Parks
https://outdoornebraska.gov/

It appears that using deer feed is legal up to 10 days prior to the start of deer season.  

Regulation:

001.01B It shall be unlawful:

001.01B9 to establish, utilize, or maintain a baited area for ten (10) days prior to the opening of any big game (sheep, elk, mountain lion, deer, or pronghorn) or turkey season and throughout those entire seasons for the purpose of taking big game or turkey. A baited area is defined as an area within 200 yards of any location where bait (grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay, minerals [including salt], or any food materials, commercial products containing food materials, or by-products of such materials) is placed or maintained for the purposes of hunting and that may serve as an attractant to big game or turkey. It shall be unlawful for a person within a baited area to hunt big game or turkey, or for a person to hunt or take big game or turkey that are within a baited area; these restrictions shall only apply to property included in the same ownership, control or lease of such location where bait is placed. An area shall be considered to be baited for ten (10) days following the removal of all bait. The Commission may, by special authorization, allow take otherwise prohibited by this regulation.

The use of scents alone, normal environmental conditions, accepted farming and ranching practices, forest management, wildlife food plantings, orchard management, or similar land management activities do not constitute baiting.

Nevada Department of Wildlife
https://www.ndow.org/

It appears that using deer feed is illegal in Nevada.

Regulation:

Baiting Big Game Animals

A person may not bait big game mammals for the purpose of hunting; or knowingly hunt big game mammals that were baited by another person.

Bait means the intentional placing, exposing, depositing, disturbing or scattering of salt, minerals, grain or any other food material, whether natural or manufactured, that could attract,

entice or lure wildlife to an area. (Refer to NAC 503.149)

New Hampshire Fish and Game
https://wildlife.state.nh.us/index.html

This state has pretty detailed and bureaucratic regulations on baiting and apparently you can bait with a permit in certain instances only during the designated baiting season which is different depending upon the area.  Be sure to check out your area for yourself.

Regulation:

Baiting

A baiting permit is required for any bait site. Baiting permit applications (no fee) are available at any Fish and Game office or online at huntnh.com/licensing/forms.html. Applications for permits to bait wildlife on private property must be signed by the private landowner. No bait shall be placed until two copies of the bait permit and map have been submitted to the Wildlife Division at Fish and Game headquarters in Concord. No bait may be placed from April 15 through August 31 (dates inclusive). Bait may not be placed at any site until the baiting season for that species is open.

• A landowner placing bait on his or her own property does not need to submit a baiting permit or map, but they must meet all the other requirements listed below regarding the use of bait.
• No person, except a licensed N.H. Hunting Guide, shall have more than 2 active bait sites statewide. A licensed N.H. Hunting Guide shall have no more than 8 active bait sites, 6 for commercial use and up to 2 for personal use.
• Licensed N.H. Hunting Guides must indicate on the bait permit if the site is for commercial or personal use.
• Any bear taken off a commercial site must be tagged with a bear guide tag.
• A licensed guide can only use his/her guide tags on bears taken off commercial bait sites which are under his/her name.
• No bear taken off a personal site can be tagged with a bear guide tag.
• A baited area shall not be considered an active bait site when all containers used to hold bait, such as barrels, plastic bags, pails and boxes, and any bait material are completely removed.
• Applications for baiting permits on private land must be received by the Department by the first Monday in August for bear, and the first Monday in October for all other species.
• It is the permittee’s responsibility to see that two copies of the bait permit are submitted to the Wildlife Division at Fish and Game headquarters in Concord.
• Each baiting permit must have a detailed topographical map, including a description of the location of the bait site and how to locate it. (If the map is so vague that a CO cannot find the site, the permit is invalid.)
• Only the person to whom the permit is issued is permitted to place bait at the site.
• The permittee must post a 3″ x 6″ durable sign at the site with the name and address of the permittee and up to 2 subpermittees. These 3 individuals are the only persons allowed to hunt over the permitted bait site. A licensed N.H. Hunting Guide must post a sign with his or her own name and address, but is not required to post the names of paying clients. The sign must be clearly visible not higher than 6 feet off the ground. If no subpermittees are identified on the sign, they may not be included at a later date. Once the sign has been posted, it may not be altered at a later date. No person other than the permittee authorized to place bait at a site shall remove, alter, or destroy said sign.
• Bait may not be placed less than 300 feet from a dwelling, public roadway, pathway, or trail.
• From the close of the bear baiting season through December 15, baiting for coyote shall be restricted to the use of meat, animal parts, carrion, or fish.
• No person shall place bait in public waters or on ice-covered public waters.
• It is illegal to bait for turkey, moose, or migratory waterfowl.
• Permits expire at the end of the calendar year, unless an earlier date has been specified on the permit form, or the season has ended for the species identified on the baiting permit.
• When requested by a CO, a permittee or an applicant to bait must accompany the officer to the proposed or existing site.

Baiting Rules For Deer

In addition to all other applicable baiting rules, the following rules apply to baiting for deer (October 18-November 15 or September 15-December 15 depending upon the area):

• No person, except a licensed N.H. Hunting Guide, shall place bait for the purpose of attracting and taking deer at more than 2 bait sites statewide.
• No person shall place bait for the purpose of attracting and taking deer prior to the opening of the deer baiting season.

Baiting Rules for Bear

In addition to all other applicable baiting rules, the following rules apply to baiting for bear (see page 29 for bear baiting season dates):

• No person, except a licensed N.H. Hunting Guide, shall place bait for the purpose of attracting and taking bear at more than 2 bait sites statewide.
• No person, except a licensed N.H. Hunting Guide, shall have more than one bait site for bear in the combined area of WMUs A, B, D1, H1, H2, I2, K, L, and M.
• No person shall establish, tend, or hunt bear over a bait containing chocolate or any cocoa derivative. White chocolate may be used as bait.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish & Wildlife
https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/index.htm

It appears using deer feed is legal in New Jersey.

Regulation:

Baiting

Baiting is allowed for deer hunting. Hunters may hunt for deer while in a tree, on the ground or in a structure and from any height and any distance from the bait pile. Hunters should check with the landowner or administrative agency before placing bait on their hunting area as baiting is not allowed on properties such as national wildlife refuges.

New Mexico Department of Game & Fish
https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/

It appears that using deer feed is legal up to 10 days prior to the start of deer season.  

Regulation:

It is unlawful to:

Take or attempt to take game species by the aid of baiting or scenting. Knowingly take or

attempt to take game species in a baited or scented area, except quail on private land. Hunters should be aware a baited area is considered to be baited for 10 days after the removal of

the bait. Individuals may use scent-masking agents on their person, but these agents may not be used to attract game species.

New York Department of Environmental Conservation
https://www.dec.ny.gov/index.html

It appears to be illegal to use deer feed in New York.

Regulation:

Manner of Taking

It is unlawful to make, set, or use a salt lick on land inhabited by deer or bear.

It is unlawful to hunt big game with bait.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
https://ncwildlife.org/

It appears to be legal to use deer feed except in certain areas of the state.  Be sure to check out your area for yourself.

Regulation:

-The placement of commercially available mineral supplements specifically and exclusively marketed for attracting or feeding deer is allowed anywhere in the state, except on game lands.

-It is unlawful to place processed food products as bait in any area of the state with an established season for taking black bears. Processed food products or any food substance or flavoring that has been modified by the addition of ingredients or by treatment to modify its chemical composition or form or to enhance its aroma or taste. This includes: food products enhanced by sugar, honey, syrups, oils, salts, spices, peanut butter, grease, meat, bones, or blood; candies, pastries, gum, and sugar blocks; and extracts of such products.

-It is unlawful to take wild birds with the use or aid of bait, which includes any salt, salt lick, grain, fruit, honey, sugar-based material or substance, animal parts or animal products.

-No wild turkey may be taken from an area in which bait has been placed until the expiration of 10 days after the bait has been consumed or otherwise removed.

North Dakota Game and Fish Department
https://gf.nd.gov/

It appears to be legal to use deer feed except in certain areas of the state. Be sure to check out your area for yourself.

Regulation:

Hunting Big Game Over Bait

It is unlawful for an individual to hunt big game over bait in deer hunting units 3C west of the Missouri River, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1 and 3F2. Placing of bait for any purpose is prohibited on all Department wildlife management areas. Hunting over bait is defined as the placement and/or use of bait(s) for attracting big game and other wildlife to a specific location for the purpose of hunting. Baits include but are not limited to grains, minerals, salts, fruits, vegetables, hay, or any other natural or manufactured foods. The designation does not apply to the use of scents and lures, water, food plots, standing crops or livestock feeds used in standard practices.

Hunting over bait is also not allowed on all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service national wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas; U.S. Forest Service national grasslands; and all North Dakota state school, state park and state forest service lands.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
https://ohiodnr.gov/

It appears that the use of deer feed is legal in Ohio.

Regulation:

A deer hunter CAN do the following:

Hunt deer over bait, except on public land and in the Disease Surveillance Area

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/

It appears the use of deer feed is legal except on department lands.

Regulation:

Baiting

It shall be unlawful to place and/or hunt over bait on lands owned or managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, including Corps lands. “Bait” shall mean the placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain or other feed.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
https://dfw.state.or.us/index.asp

It appears to be legal to use deer feed in Oregon except in the North Bank Habitat Management Area.

Regulation:

Using bait to attract black bear and using dogs to locate and tree black bear is prohibited.

The use of bait for hunting game mammals is prohibited on North Bank Habitat Management Area.

“Bait” for hunting game mammals means any substance placed to attract an animal by its sense of smell or taste, including, but not limited to, food items or minerals (such as salt). Applying a scent or attractant to one’s body or clothing while worn is not baiting.

Pennsylvania Game Commission
https://www.pgc.pa.gov/

It generally appears to be legal to use deer feed up to 30 days before hunting an area.

Regulation:

Baiting

Baiting is allowed in the Southeast Special Regulations Area by permit only. Elsewhere in the state, it is unlawful to hunt in or around any area where artificial or natural bait, food, hay, grain, fruit, nuts, salt, chemicals or minerals, including their residues, are used, or have been used within the past 30 days, as an enticement to lure game or wildlife regardless of the type or quantity. Hunters are responsible for ensuring that the hunting area has not been baited before they begin hunting. They should physically inspect the area and question landowners, guides and caretakers. This section does not pertain to hunting near areas where accepted farming or

habitat-management practices are taking place (example: hunting near food plots on game lands is legal). Any natural or manmade nonliving bait can be used to attract coyotes for hunting or trapping.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
https://www.dem.ri.gov/index.php

The use of deer feed in Rhode Island appears to be illegal.

Regulation:

Prohibited Deer Hunting Activities:

Feeding or baiting: the act of using, placing, giving, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering any material, or any act to maintain the availability of such material that attracts deer to feed on such material.

Feeding and baiting wildlife in the state of Rhode Island is not permitted at any time for any purposes except as defined in RIHR 9.17.L

RIHR 9.17.L

Feeding and baiting wildlife in the state of Rhode Island is not permitted at any time for any purposes except:

1. Under a license or permit issued by the Department pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-1-18 for bona fide scientific research;
2. By planting, cultivating, or harvesting of crops directly associated with bona fide agricultural practices, including planted wildlife food plots;
3. By distribution of food material for livestock directly associated with bona fide agricultural practices; by distribution of food material for legally possessed captive wildlife, pursuant to a permit;
4. By cutting of trees or brush; or
5. Elevated bird/squirrel feeders providing seed, grain, fruit, worms or suet for birds or squirrels located within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.
6. The placement or use of carcasses or meat parts thereof is allowed on private property for the purposes of hunting coyotes. The placement or use of carcasses or meat parts thereof is prohibited for purposes of hunting coyotes on state lands.
7. The leaving out of food of any kind where accessible to wildlife is prohibited.
8. For baiting of furbearers as associated with legal trapping activities in accordance with these regulations.
9. Distribution of certain food material – feeding wild or captive cervids with any material that contains protein derived from any mammalian tissues is prohibited.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
https://www.dnr.sc.gov/

It appears to be legal to use deer feed in South Carolina.

Regulation:

Baiting or hunting deer over bait is permitted on private lands statewide.

South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks
https://gfp.sd.gov/

It appears using deer feed is legal on private lands except during designated time frames.  

Regulation:

No person may place any salt or salt lick or construct, occupy or use any screen, blind, scaffold or other device at or near any salt or salt lick for the purpose of enticing or baiting big game animals to the same for the purpose of hunting, watching for or killing big game.

No one may establish, utilize or maintain a bait station from Aug. 15 – Feb. 1, inclusive and from March 15 – May 31, inclusive, to attract any big game animal (including turkey). A bait station is a location where grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay, minerals (including salt) or any other natural food materials, commercial products containing natural food materials or by-products of such materials are placed or maintained as an attractant to big game animals for the purpose of hunting. The use of scents alone does not constitute a bait station. The bait station restriction does not apply to foods that have not been placed or gathered by an individual and result from normal environmental conditions or accepted farming, forest management, wildlife food plantings, orchard management or similar land management activities. Individuals are exempt from the bait station requirements while participating in any research or depredation management activities directed by GFP.

No person may establish, utilize or maintain a bait station on lands owned by the GFP and on properties managed and classified by GFP as Game Production Areas, State Parks, State Recreation Areas, State Lakeside Use Areas, State Nature Areas or State Water Access Areas. Additionally, the distribution of bait and hunting over bait is prohibited on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA’s).

Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency
https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra.html

It appears that using deer feed is legal up to 10 days prior to hunting.

Regulation:

Prohibited Acts

No person shall make use of bait to take wildlife unless the bait has been removed and any electronic feeder disabled at least 10 days prior to hunting.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
https://tpwd.texas.gov/

The use of deer feed is legal in Texas.

Regulation:

Baiting

Baiting for game animals, nongame animals, and game birds is lawful on private property, except for turkey in certain East Texas counties and migratory game birds statewide.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
https://wildlife.utah.gov/

There doesn’t appear to be any regulations one way or the other about using deer feed in Utah.  Check it out yourself if you hunt there to be sure.

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/

It appears that using deer feed is basically illegal in Vermont.

Regulation:

Baiting Deer and Deer Lures

It is 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. Artificial scents and lures are  legal,  provided  they are not  designed to be consumed by eating or licking. Deer lures containing  any cervid urine,  blood, gland oil, feces, or other bodily fluids, are illegal to use in Vermont.

It is illegal to take deer by using bait with the following exceptions:

• Incidental feeding of wildlife within active livestock operations;

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

• Grain or other feed scattered or distributed solely as a result of normal agricultural, gardening, or soil stabilization, and logging practices; and
• Vegetation or food/seed naturally deposited.

Feeding Deer

It is illegal to feed wild deer at any time except:

• Under a license or permit issued by Fish & Wildlife for scientific research, mitigation of wildlife damage or nuisance problems, or wildlife population reduction programs;
• By planting, cultivating or harvesting of crops directly associated with agricultural practices, including planted wildlife food plots.

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/

It appears that it is legal to use deer feed up to 10 day prior to hunting and the feed definitely must be removed by September 1st.

Regulation:

It is unlawful to:

Occupy any baited blind or other baited place for the purpose of taking or attempting to take any wild game bird or wild game animal or to put out bait or salt for the purpose of taking or killing any wild game bird or wild game animal, except for the purpose of trapping furbearing animals.

Unlawful Feeding of Certain Wildlife

Not only is it illegal to hunt, chase with dogs, or attempt to kill game birds and animals from a baited site, it is also illegal to feed some wildlife under certain circumstances. The Department does not encourage the feeding of wildlife at any time of the year. Feeding restrictions help control the transmission of diseases, nuisance problems, littering concerns, and enforcement issues about hunting with bait.

It is unlawful to feed deer or elk at certain times.

It is unlawful to feed bears anytime.

Do Not Feed Deer or Elk

Department regulation makes it illegal to place or distribute food, salt, or minerals to feed or attract deer or elk:

-from September 1 through January 7 statewide.

-year-round in Buchanan, Clarke, Dickenson, Frederick, Shenandoah, Warren, and Wise counties (including the cities and towns within).

-in any city, town, or county during any deer or elk hunting season.

-Nor, upon written notification by Department personnel, shall any person continue to place or distribute any food, salt, mineral or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the attraction of and/or feeding of deer. No part of this regulation shall be construed to restrict bonafide agronomic plantings (including wildlife food plots) or distribution of food to livestock.

Furthermore, all feed must be removed from any feeding site prior to September 1, and any area where feed has been distributed will be considered a “baited” area for 10 days following the complete removal of the food. The prohibitions listed above do not include the planting of agronomic crops or wildlife food plots.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
https://wdfw.wa.gov/

It appears that using deer feed is legal so long as the volume is below 10 gallons and 200 yards from other bait sights.

Regulation:

Baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk (WAC 220-414-030)

“Bait” is any substance that could serve as a lure, food, or attraction for deer or elk Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to hunt for deer and elk using any type of bait placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the purpose of attracting deer or elk with the intent to hunt them, if the volume of bait accessible to wildlife exceeds 10 gallons  Bait sites of an individual license holder cannot be placed within 200 yards from another known bait site or another bait site of the same license holder

Exceptions:

Hunting on or over the following is not considered an unlawful use of bait while hunting deer or elk:

• Locally common agricultural and ranching practices including salt or mineral distribution, and feeding;
• Food that is available from undisturbed wild, volunteer, or planted vegetation; including fruit trees, orchards, vineyards, and food plots;
• Scents used for cover and attractant that are not consumed by animals;
• Naturally occurring mineral deposits; or
• As authorized by a department permit issued to address a management objective
• Exceptions do not include accidental or intentional spills, dumping, or storage of agricultural produce, feed, or bait

A violation of this section is punishable as an infraction under RCW 77 15 160 if no animal has been shot or killed and RCW 77 15 410 Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty, if an animal has been shot or killed.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
https://www.wvdnr.gov/Main.shtm

It appears to be legal to use deer feed except in certain areas and on public lands during a defined calendar period. Be sure to check out your area for yourself.

Regulation:

Baiting and Feeding Regulations

It is illegal to bait or feed any wildlife on public land between September 1 and December 31 and during the spring gobbler seasons. It is also illegal to bait or feed at any time on Beech

Fork Lake, Bluestone Lake, Burnsville Lake and McClintic WMAs and on Coopers Rock and Calvin Price State Forests.

Baiting:

the direct or indirect placing or exposing of bait so as to attract or entice wildlife to an area where hunters are attempting to take them. An area is considered to be baited for 10 days after bait is removed.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
https://dnr.wi.gov/

It appears that the use of deer feed is legal in certain counties, in certain amounts and at certain times. Be sure to check out your area for yourself.

Regulation:

Counties where baiting and feeding of deer IS prohibited

Baiting wild animals for hunting purposes is prohibited. No person may place, use, or hunt over bait or feed material for the purpose of hunting any wild animals except deer (see below), bear (see Wisconsin Bear Hunting Regulations), or wolf (when season is open–see Wisconsin Wolf Hunting Regulations) unless authorized by a special permit or license issued by the department. Placing bait to hunt deer or feed for recreational viewing of deer is illegal in the shaded counties on the map found on the baiting and feeding regulations web page.

Scents: Scent may be used for hunting deer or other wild animals, but the scent may not be placed or deposited in a manner that it is accessible for consumption by deer, and scents shall be removed daily at the end of hunting hours established for deer. However, two ounces or less of scent may be placed, used or deposited in any manner for hunting game and does not need to be removed daily at the end of hunting hours.

Natural Vegetation and Plantings:

You may hunt with the aid of material deposited by natural vegetation, material found solely as a result of normal agricultural or gardening practices, or with the aid of crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots.

Counties where baiting and feeding of deer is NOT prohibited

Baiting wild animals for hunting purposes is prohibited except as noted.  No person may place, use, or hunt over bait or feed material for the purpose of hunting any wild animals except deer (see below), bear (see Wisconsin Bear Hunting Regulations), or wolf (when season is open–see Wisconsin Wolf Hunting Regulations) unless authorized by a special permit or license issued by the department. Placing bait to hunt deer or feed for recreational viewing is legal in the on-shaded counties on the above map. See below for restrictions on deer baiting and feeding.

Scents: Scent may be used for hunting deer or other wild animals, but the scent may not be placed or deposited in a manner that it is accessible for consumption by deer, and scents shall be removed daily at the end of hunting hours established for deer. However, two ounces or less of scent may be placed, used, or deposited in any manner for hunting game and does not need to be removed daily at the end of hunting hours.

Natural Vegetation and Plantings:

You may hunt with the aid of material deposited by natural vegetation or material found solely as a result of normal agricultural or gardening practices, or with the aid of crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots.

Deer Baiting – What Is Allowed For Deer Hunting Purposes

Amount: No person may place, use, or hunt over more than 2 gallons of bait or feed at any feeding site.

Placement:

No person may place, use, or hunt deer over:

•  bait located in a county in which baiting and feeding of deer is prohibited.
•  more than 2 gallons of bait on each contiguous area of land under the same ownership that is  less than 40 acres in size, or for each full 40 acres that make up a contiguous area of land under the same ownership.

Note: Parcels of land that do not touch but are separated only by a town or county road or state highway are considered contiguous.

Note: Feed at feeding sites may be spread out or divided into more than one pile as long as the   total amount of feed material is not more than 2 gallons per forty acres.

•  any feeding site that is located within 100 yards of any other feeding site located on the same contiguous area of land under the same ownership.
•  any feeding site if the person doing the hunting is within 100 yards of  more than 2 gallons of bait or feed located on the same parcel of land.
•  any feeding site that is located within 50 yards of any trail, road, or campsite used by the   public, or within 100 yards of a roadway, having a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or more.

Timing: No person may:

•  place, use, or hunt over bait or feed during the closed season for hunting deer, but may start   to place bait for deer hunting 24 hours prior to the first deer hunting season, which is  the archery season.

Note: The 24-hour period is the period from 12:00 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. on the day immediately before the archery deer season.

•  hunt over bait or a feeding site that is in violation of these regulations, unless the area is  completely free of bait or feed material for at least 10 consecutive days prior to hunting, pursuing animals, or dog training.

Content: No person may place use or hunt over any bait or feed material that:

•  contains any animal part or animal by-product.
•  is contained in or deposited by a feeder that is designed to deposit or replenish feed automatically, mechanically, or by gravity.
•  contains or is contained within, metal, paper, plastic, glass, wood or other similar Processed materials. This does not apply to bait or feed placed in hollow logs or stumps (see Wisconsin Bear Hunting Regulations) or to scent materials.

License: No person may use or hunt over bait or feed material placed for deer without possessing an appropriate valid archery or gun deer license and unused carcass tag.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/

It appears that using deer feed is legal with a valid baiting permit.

Regulation:

Baiting Permit Issuance.  

The Department may issue baiting permits to landowners for specific sites on private land where the baiting of big game animals will be allowed during open hunting seasons as prescribed by Commission regulation.

Note: These regulations are presumed to be accurate as of Summer 2018 but it is your ultimate and sole responsibility to research and abide by the regulations yourself.  Just know that Feed Bandit takes no responsibility for any trouble or shenanigans you get into based on what is or isn’t discussed here.

If you know of a change in the law and see that we haven’t updated our records, please email us and let us know.  As you can imagine it’s hard to keep up with the ever evolving regulations of 50 states on our own! Thanks.