Is it illegal to feed wild deer?

Asked by: Kathleen Jones

It is illegal to intentionally feed wild deer or moose in New York. Feeding of white-tailed deer causes unnatural concentrations near the food source, which can lead to ecological damage, damage to property, and an increased risk of transmission of disease between deer.

Is it illegal to feed deer in your yard in Texas?

Supplemental feeding is controversial—in many states, feeding deer is illegal. At present, 22 states have partial or total bans on feeding or baiting deer. In Texas, however, deer may be fed year- round.

Is it illegal to feed deer on your property in Ohio?

Source: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife discourages people from feeding wild animals in Ohio, but there is no regulation against feeding wild animals. People are discouraged from feeding wild animals because it can lead to issues with the animals.

Is it OK to feed deer in California?

Feeding deer is a bad idea. It’s also criminal. Despite the fact that some local feed stores sell commercially produced “deer chow,” it is actually illegal in California to feed big game mam- mals (Title 14, section 251.3). Break- ing the law could result in a citation and hefty fines.

Can I feed deer in my backyard in Michigan?

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.

Can I feed deer in my yard?

If you feed deer in your backyard or at a park, you could be harming them instead of helping them. Bringing deer together at feeding sites increases their risk of contracting communicable diseases, such as chronic wasting disease, from other deer.

Is it bad to feed deer?

Supplemental feeding of wild deer is harmful and can lead to bouts of severe diarrhea and dehydration, which could be deadly.

What can you feed deer?

Oats provide deer with a healthy mixture of fiber and carbohydrates without disrupting their digestive system.

• A wide variety of fruits and vegetables – including apples, grapes, cherries, pears, carrots, and snap peas – are eaten in nature by deer. …
• Acorns are another safe food source.

Can you feed deer apples?

Waste apples and potatoes are palatable to deer and contain ample calories, but are not a healthy stand-alone diet. Fruits and spuds are high in water and too low in protein and fiber for wintering deer. If deer cannot access high quality natural forages around your feeder, they will not thrive.

What can you feed deer instead of corn?

Some good fall food sources include hard mast (e.g., oak acorns, beech nuts, chestnuts, hickory nuts, etc.), soft mast (e.g., apples, pears, persimmons, etc.), and agricultural crops (corn, soybeans, brassicas, cereal grains, etc.).

What is the penalty for feeding deer in Michigan?

Unlawful baiting is currently a misdemeanor offense subject to fines, up to 90 days in jail and the possible loss of a hunting license. Under Senate Bill 800, violators would be subject to a state civil fine of $1.

Is it illegal to feed wild animals in Michigan?

They are legal throughout Michigan. Can I feed birds or other wildlife? In areas where feeding is banned, you can feed birds and other wildlife if done in such a manner as to exclude wild, white-tailed deer and elk from gaining access to the feed.

Can you feed deer off season in Michigan?

Baiting and recreational feeding of deer remains illegal throughout the Lower Peninsula and the Core CWD Area in the Upper Peninsula. The ban is in place to lower the risk of the spread of chronic wasting disease and bovine tuberculosis, according to the DNR.

Is it legal to bait for deer in Michigan?

Baiting deer is illegal in Michigan’s lower peninsula and parts of the UP. The DNR says it’s important for hunters to understand why this is the law: “There’s bait being sold all over the lower peninsula but to use that bait is against the law.

Are salt licks illegal in Michigan?

So, for now, it remains illegal to put out salt blocks, scatter apples or use any other minerals, fruits, vegetables, hay or other substances designed to lure, entice or attract deer for the purpose of slaying them.