By WDNR Wardens Dustin Gabrielson based in Webster & Christopher Spaight based in Grantsburg
Preparations are underway by hunters and wildlife observers as all look forward to fall and winter outdoor activities in Burnett County, as well as other northwest counties.
We want you to know a new baiting and feeding ban in effect for 4 northwest Wisconsin counties: Burnett, Barron, Washburn and Polk.
The ban on deer baiting and feeding was implemented on as a tool to limit the spread of the fatal and highly contagious deer disease, known as chronic wasting disease (CWD). Bans on baiting and feeding are established within a geographic range of any confirmed CWD case.
In order to protect the state’s natural resources – in this case, our white-tail deer population – it is important to know and to follow the baiting and feeding bans in our county. Baiting and feeding encourages deer to congregate, and have direct contact, thereby increasing the chances of spreading this fatal disease within the herd.
The WDNR goal is for the public to know and understand the importance of the baiting and feeding ban as it relates to health of Wisconsin’s deer herd to achieve voluntary compliance. If appropriate enforcement action can occur and associated penalties are high.
- The deposit or placement of material to feed or attract the deer comes with a fine between $343.50 up to $1,000.
- If you place bait that is under 5 gallons, the citation starts at $343.50 at the minimum. If you place 5 to 25 gallons, the citation starts at $544.50, and the citation starts at $745.50 for more than 25 gallons of bait. The maximum in all categories is $1,000.
What about the feeders for birds and other small mammals? These are fine as long as these are within 50 yards of the home and at a height a deer cannot access it.
The 2019 archery and crossbow deer seasons began on September 14, followed by a few special seasons for physically challenged and youth. The gun-deer season starts November 23 and runs through December 1, followed by the muzzle loader and antlerless hunts.
There are deer baiting and feeding regulations in 52 counties affected by CWD. To see the deer baiting and feeding regulations for all counties, and learn more about CWD, visit: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/bait.html
Anyone with information regarding natural resource violations may confidentially report by calling or texting: VIOLATION HOTLINE: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained staff relay information to conservation wardens.
Last Update: Oct 02, 2019 12:10 pm CDT
