Summary of Michigan Deer Baiting Regulations
Baiting and feeding are banned in the Lower Peninsula.
Baiting is allowed in the Upper Peninsula. The following baiting regulations apply:
- Baiting may occur only from Sept. 15 - Jan. 1 except that eligible hunters may begin baiting for the Liberty Hunt five days prior to when the season begins.
- 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.
Detailed Regulations
BAITING AND FEEDING IS BANNED IN THE ENTIRE LOWER PENINSULA. There is an exception for hunters with disabilities who meet specific requirements. They may use bait in areas where baiting is banned during the Liberty and Independence Hunts (but not outside of this time).
Bait — 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.
Feed — 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.
NOTE: You can use food-scented materials- whether composed of natural or synthetic materials- made inaccessible for consumption by deer and placed in a manner to prohibit physical contact with deer. (Examples: oil based attractants, scented wicks, etc.) Other urine-based scents are legal, such as mock scrapes, drag ropes, wicks, etc. provided these products have the Archery Trade Association (ATA) symbol marked on the packaging or bottle.
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.
Baiting and feeding is banned in the core Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone. The CWD Management Zone includes Barry, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Lenawee, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa, and Shiawassee counties.
In the Upper Peninsula, the following baiting regulations 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.
In the Upper Peninsula, the following feeding 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.