Deer Regulations: Baiting and Feeding
Updated Information on Baiting and Feeding for 2011
Baiting and feeding of any kind is illegal only in DMU 487; however, the Department prefers that hunters do not bait or feed. Science indicates the use of bait facilitates establishment and spread of disease among white-tailed deer. For more information watch the Michigan Baiting and Feeding Rules video.
What is the Difference Between Supplemental Feeding and Baiting?
"Baiting" is defined as putting out food materials for wildlife to attract, lure, or entice them as an aid in hunting. A person baiting wildlife must comply with the baiting regulations. "Feeding" is defined as individuals placing food materials out that attract wildlife for any reason other than baiting.
An Update on Baiting
Baiting is now legal in the Lower Peninsula, excluding DMU 487 (Alpena, Alcona, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties). A person may bait deer from October 1 to January 1. Any food material can be used.
The bait may be scattered on the ground by any means over a minimum 10 foot by 10 foot area so that the bait is spread out and not in piles. No more that two (2) gallons of bait may be on the ground per hunting area at any one time.
An Update on Feeding
Feeding of any kind is illegal in DMU 487.
Supplemental feeding is allowed in the UP with a permit. Supplemental feeding has regulated dates and is allowed only when the winter severity index surpasses a certain point based on location.
All other feeding must follow regualtions for recreational viewing. The amount of feed avaliable cannot be more than two (2) gallons at a time, and must be with in 100 yards of an occupied residence, and at least 100 yards away from areas accessible to livestock or captive cervidae.
In General...
These regulations take effect for the 2011 hunting season and will be revisited in three years by the NRC.
For specific regulations, visit the Wildlife Conservation Orders page, link found on the left sidebar.
Food plots, naturally occurring foods, standing agricultural crops, or food that is in place as part of normal farming practices are not considered baiting or feeding.