MDC Reminds Fall Hunters of Baiting Regulations

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds hunters to be aware of baiting regulations during the fall deer and turkey hunting seasons. 

The use of bait, including grain or other feed, placed or scattered to attract deer or turkey while hunting, is illegal. 

The regulations are in place to help limit the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer and to ensure fair chase.

MDC’s Protection Captain Russell Duckworth said the placement of corn or bait to hunt wildlife is a common Wildlife Code violation that conservation agents encounter during the fall. 

Doe urine and other scents, such as apple, acorn, and persimmon, are allowed while hunting if they 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 in conservation areas and in a CWD zone. 

While it is legal to hunt over a harvested crop field, it is illegal to add grain or other crops to the field after it has been harvested.

An area is considered baited for ten days after food has been completely removed from that site.