Baiting is Bad for the Resource

February 7, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) | Research/Studies Related to the Negative Impacts of Baiting (PDF)

AWF passed a Resolution in February 2001 against baiting.
BOTTOM LINE - BAITING IS BAD FOR THE RESOURCE.

* It increases the chance for disease transmission and spread among deer and other wildlife - Wildlife research has shown that baiting deer causes them to unnaturally concentrate around baited areas. This increases the likelihood of spreading diseases between animals by direct contact and through eating bait contaminated with disease causing agents shed in feces, saliva or other excretions.

The following diseases are not currently present in Alabama, but they are causing major problems in several northern and western states. If these diseases make it to Alabama, and we hope they don't, baiting would significantly increase the opportunity for these diseases to spread. A number of states that have allowed baiting in the past have now outlawed the practice due to the role of baiting in the spread of these diseases. States that have a full or partial ban on baiting include: AL, AK, CA, CO, CT, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NM, NY, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, WI, WY &WV.

* CWD - Chronic Wasting Disease: an infectious disease that leads to the death of the animal. CWD is transmitted laterally, meaning live deer infect other deer. CWD is believed to be spread by deer ingesting the feces or saliva from another deer with the disease. CWD has been found in free-ranging deer or elk in the following states: CO, IL, NE, NM, SD, UT, WI, & WY.

* Bovine Tuberculosis: an important contagious disease of cattle that can be spread from animals to humans and can lead to death. Baiting was identified as a key factor in the spread of Bovine TB in wild deer in Michigan.
The following diseases are present in Alabama and could spread more rapidly due to increased congregation of deer as a result of baiting.

* Demodectic Mange: causes hair loss and lesions to the infected animal.

* Parasitism: transmission of many harmful parasites of deer including lungworms and stomach worms increases when deer are concentrated at bait sites.

In addition, aflatoxicosis is a poisoning caused by aflatoxin, and aflatoxin is produced by fungi that develops on corn, soybeans, peanuts, and other grains. If high levels are ingested, it can be fatal to wild turkeys, quail and other non-target wildlife species. Corn and other grains used for baiting is often unregulated, unlike the grains for livestock that must be tested for aflatoxin levels. Studies have demonstrated bait piles can contain harmful levels of this toxin.

* It makes wildlife, especially turkeys, more susceptible to predators - Predators learn that wildlife will congregate at bait stations or piles and simply wait for their next meal to arrive. AWF's land stewardship biologist has personally observed six predator-killed turkey carcasses over the course of one summer around wildlife feeders.

* It negatively impacts turkeys, quail and other ground nesting birds by concentrating potential nest predators like raccoons - Research shows that ground nests in the vicinity of bait stations have a greater risk of discovery by predators than nests in areas where bait stations do not occur. Raccoons and striped skunks are the most abundant nest predators.

* It's bad for the long-term health of hunting - it sends a bad message to non-hunters who otherwise support our right to hunt. Only 7% of the population hunts. Fortunately, a large portion of the population that does not hunt supports our right to hunt. Hunting over bait sends a negative message about hunting to those who otherwise support our right to hunt. Hunting is a $700 million industry to Alabama annually. We don't want to loose it.

* Over-browsing near bait results in the destruction of habitat - as population densities increase at these baiting areas, the pressure on the surrounding habitat increases. In many cases baiting deer has created populations that exceed the carrying capacity of their environment. Deer eating at bait stations will over-browse native vegetation in the area as well. They select the better quality plants and cause an increase in plant species that have little or no wildlife value. The amount and type of plant species are negatively affected by he concentrated foraging of a baited deer population. In addition, high concentrations of deer around bait stations alter the local habitat which leads to changes in the species composition of co-existing bird populations; including a decrease in abundance and diversity of songbirds.

* The cost of baiting deer to compete with other hunters who bait will be too high for some hunters - possibly reducing the number of hunters. Some hunters will not be able to afford the amount of bait necessary to compete with other hunters who bait on adjoining properties.

* Impossible to enforce - difficult to assess the level of compliance with the law. May also facilitate illegal activities such as the shooting of deer at night.

DON'T GAMBLE WITH OUR WILDLIFE RESOURCE!