MSC
Member
Hi all, the thread topic is a cut and paste from the online Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping regs page online.
I have a few farmed acres that I hunt on with a crop damage permit off season and during season hoping to see a buck. Never baited deer here before at any time, there seem to be enough. And not sure what I think about it either, is it "sport" to bait them?
Maybe them coming to the field to eat the timothy, it is our crop, is a form of bait. It certainly is food, and our crop. But what about salt or apples or acorns placed my shooting alley. Somehow it feels unsporting to bait, but is not a cover crop the same thing?
Also I've heard talk about shooting deer at a bait station is not allowed in some states, but it is not mentioned in the Maryland Hunting Guide. Even if allowed, is it a bad thing?
Another related issue here is that the bucks seem to be completely nocturnal. I've seen two in four years and they were both out of season and just two pointers. Clearly they are here because the does just keep coming. What about baiting during antler season only, maybe that would bring some bucks out in the day time?
Just for a little background, I have been deer hunting for a few years did not grow up with it. I take about 5-8 per year for the last three years and they are all either consumed at home or I give processed meat to family and friends. Have not used the donation program yet but would if I could not eat and/or give away the meat.
Not looking for a right or wrong, and mixed a few related but different topics in this post, but would like to hear your thoughts on baiting deer in general and any other angle you may have. Thanks much
I have a few farmed acres that I hunt on with a crop damage permit off season and during season hoping to see a buck. Never baited deer here before at any time, there seem to be enough. And not sure what I think about it either, is it "sport" to bait them?
Maybe them coming to the field to eat the timothy, it is our crop, is a form of bait. It certainly is food, and our crop. But what about salt or apples or acorns placed my shooting alley. Somehow it feels unsporting to bait, but is not a cover crop the same thing?
Also I've heard talk about shooting deer at a bait station is not allowed in some states, but it is not mentioned in the Maryland Hunting Guide. Even if allowed, is it a bad thing?
Another related issue here is that the bucks seem to be completely nocturnal. I've seen two in four years and they were both out of season and just two pointers. Clearly they are here because the does just keep coming. What about baiting during antler season only, maybe that would bring some bucks out in the day time?
Just for a little background, I have been deer hunting for a few years did not grow up with it. I take about 5-8 per year for the last three years and they are all either consumed at home or I give processed meat to family and friends. Have not used the donation program yet but would if I could not eat and/or give away the meat.
Not looking for a right or wrong, and mixed a few related but different topics in this post, but would like to hear your thoughts on baiting deer in general and any other angle you may have. Thanks much