Baiting of deer can be a very controversial, even emotional issue for hunters.  First, if it is legal then that is the end of the discussion in the sense that I support different tactics for hunters provided it is legal.  I can hunt the way I want and don't believe that there is one right way.  The issue of CWD is a real issue and a discussion on it needs to be had in terms of baiting.  Does baiting really spread CWD?  If there is scientific evidence to support that theory then I would be in favor of banning it.

For me, baiting is more of getting the deer into the right position.  I archery hunt and placing some corn in a place that will set the deer up for the shot is why I do it.  It helps me make a clean humane shot.

This is just one man's opinion and I am sure there are many others out there.

I actually don't fear the CWD as much as I do the fact that these deer will become dependant upon humans for their food.  What happens if a doe brings up her fawns only on food supplied by humans?  Then, what if that person moves or for some reason stops feeding them?  I am sure that they would find their way back to eating native grasses and plants, but you can't be too sure.

Good point about deer dependency on bait.  The other question or issue is what constitutes baiting?  Is it just dumping corn or do food plots count too?  I think the food plot scenario is just as bad for creating deer dependent upon man for food.  What happens to the deer if the food plot is abandoned?  Will they have the skills to forage for themselves without the lush greens and grains supplied free by man?

And of course, there are those that will point out that there is no difference between hunting  a food plot and a farmer's alfalfa field.  Lots of different sides to the issue.

You guys make very good points about baiting of deer. The fact is that we are not allowed to use bait in NY because it is said it will spread CWD. Maybe it does and maybe it doesn’t. If I could I would use certain baits, for reason already stated. During bow season it is difficult to get the deer to come into a place where a good shot can be taken. But the law is the law and must be followed. And it is a very good point, I wouldn’t want the deer to become dependent on myself due to I decided to bait them. I appreciate your comments. Thanks

As it was previously stated there are lots of good thoughts on baiting.  I think that it should be decided on a state by state basis and as hunters, we should support legal hunting practices even when we don't necessaryily agree with them.  Too many issues cause hunters to bash hunters and we need to avoid bashing.  We need to be supportative of legal hunting tactics regardless of our opinion.  Doesn't mean we can't constructively disagree, just not bash.

This thread is a good example of a positive discussion.

As far as a deer becoming dependent on a pile of corn or even a food plot, I think that is insane. Deer are eating machines. Adult deer eat upwards of 8 pounds of food per day. I guarantee a bait pile or one food plot does not and will not ever be their lone source of food. Just like any other animal a deer is very adaptable to their environment. If they had these taken away don't worry they would find other food sources and be just fine. As far as to bait or not to bait, I am with others. If it is legal in your state then it's ok.

I think the last line of your post sums it up well.  If it is legal then it is okay, but as more scientific information becomes availble the question shifts to whether it should be legal or not.  If baiting is found scientifically, not antecdotally, to be detrimental to the herd then it should be reconsidered.

Some make it an issue of ethics when it is just a matter of what is legal and what is best for the management and health of the herd.  Baiting may be necessary to control the herd's population in some areas.

I would definitely side with you if that was the case. If it is harmful or detrimental to the herds health then I would by all means be against it. Up until last year I did not use any form of baiting. I just hunted over natural funnels, travel routes and crop fields. I was just as successful using those tactics as I am with throwing down a small corn pile. In fact I have 13 different stand sites this year. We shot two doe's over a small corn pile. The two bucks we shot were in a stand we did not bait. So how much does it really help. I'd say it is minimal at best.

What is the real purpose of baiting deer?  What is the definition of baiting deer?

To me, the purpose of baiting deer is to increase the hunter’s odds of filling a tag.  It is to bring the deer closer to where the hunter is set up and allow said hunter an increased opportunity at success.  I believe there is a big difference is baiting deer and feeding deer.  The ranch that I hunted in Texas (see “Highs and lows in Texas”) actually feeds the deer year-round.  It is a trophy whitetail ranch and the owner spends enormous amounts of money managing his herd and feeding the deer.  It’s his land and his money and, more importantly, it’s legal!  So, when I was out in the situation of shooting deer over a feeder, I made the choice to shoot.  After one deer, my personal “hunting ethics” got the better of me and I couldn’t bring myself to take another one under those circumstances.  I didn’t knock anyone else for doing it; I just decided that it wasn’t for me.

Now for the bigger question, what is the definition of baiting deer?  If the purpose is to bring the deer closer to the hunter, wouldn’t any means used to do it be considered baiting?  Grunt tubes, ratting horns, piles of corn, feeders, and scents could all be considered “baiting” deer.  So, using that as my definition of baiting deer, I am all for it!

You asked the question about why you can buy products such as C’mere Deer ®in states that don’t allow baiting.  That’s a very good question.  I didn’t think they could legally sell it in a state that doesn’t allow it.  However, you might want to check the regulations a little more carefully.  There may be a different definition of “baiting” that allows certain products.

From the C’mere Deer ® site (FAQ):

“C'Mere Deer is classified and manufactured as a DEER ATTRACTANT; making it unique in the hunting industry. However, some states' game laws may prohibit the use of an attractant. We encourage each individual to know their local and state game laws to ensure if it is legal to use C'Mere Deer products where he or she desires to hunt or apply it. Some states allow the use of C'Mere Deer liquid where baiting is not allowed since the liquid is not considered a food source. If in doubt, we advise you to contact your state and/or local Wildlife or Conservation Department for legal advice.
 
C'Mere Deer can be used in some states that do not allow hunting over bait with certain restrictions such as; all bait must be removed within 10 days of hunting over the baited area or hunter must hunt a certain amount of yards from bait, etc…”