Where Baiting & Feeding Is Banned Can Now Be Found Online

Online tools show hunters where baiting and feeding is banned

Contact(s): Kevin Wallenfang, DNR deer and elk ecologist, 608-261-7589

MADISON – Before taking part in upcoming hunting seasons or placing feed for wildlife, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts should be sure to check the baiting and feeding webpage and verify which counties currently prohibit wildlife baiting and feeding activities.

For more information regarding baiting and feeding, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “bait.”

Since the end of the 2017 deer season, Milwaukee, Lincoln, Washington, Marinette, Langlade, Florence, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Dodge, Fond du Lac, & Sheboygan counties have been added to the ban. Wood County which was previously subject to deer baiting and feeding prohibitions has reverted back to regulated deer baiting and feeding. It is important to note that baiting and feeding restrictions are in place for 43 of Wisconsin’s 55 chronic wasting disease affected areas/counties.

Baiting and feeding bans are enacted when CWD is detected in wild or captive deer for a period of 3 years (county of detection) or 2 years (counties adjacent to counties with CWD detection) and may be lifted if no new detections are found in CWD affected counties. All current baiting and feeding bans will remain in effect throughout the 2018 deer season with the exception of Marquette County, which will be lifted in December 2018 if no new additional detection renews the baiting and feeding ban.

Individuals may still feed birds and small mammals, provided feeding devices are within 50 yards of a human dwelling and at a sufficient height or design to prevent access by deer.

For more information regarding baiting and feeding, check out the baiting and feeding regulations.