Summary of Pennsylvania Deer Baiting Regulations
Baiting is allowed conditionally on private property in the Southeast Special Regulations Area.
Elsewhere in the state, it is unlawful to hunt in or around any area where artificial or natural bait, food, hay, grain, fruit, nuts, salt, chemicals or minerals, including their residues – regardless the type or quantity – are used, or have been used within the past 30 days, as an enticement to lure game or wildlife.
Detailed Regulations
Baiting is allowed conditionally on private property in the Southeast Special Regulations Area. See the Special Regulations Areas page within the PA hunting regulations digest for more info.
Elsewhere in the state, it is unlawful to hunt in or around any area where artificial or natural bait, food, hay, grain, fruit, nuts, salt, chemicals or minerals, including their residues – regardless the type or quantity – are used, or have been used within the past 30 days, as an enticement to lure game or wildlife.
Hunters are responsible for ensuring an area has not been baited before hunting. They should physically inspect the area and question landowners, guides and caretakers.
This section does not pertain to hunting near areas where accepted farming or habitat management practices are taking place (example: hunting near food plots on game lands is legal). The manipulation of crops for dove hunting is permitted. Any natural or manmade nonliving bait can be used to attract coyotes for hunting or trapping.