Bill > HB5185

This bill amends sections 40102 and 40111a of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The key provisions are: 1. It provides a definition of "deer or elk baiting" which includes the depositing, distributing, or tending of feed in an area frequented by wild, free-ranging white-tailed deer or elk to aid in the taking of deer or elk. It also clarifies what is not considered deer or elk baiting, such as feeding wild birds or other wildlife in a way that excludes deer and elk, or the scattering of feed as a result of normal logging or agricultural practices. 2. Until 2 years after the effective date of the bill, it allows individuals to engage in deer or elk baiting during open seasons, with restrictions on the amount and size of bait used, as well as the number of baiting sites. However, it prohibits baiting in any county or deer management unit where there is a memorandum of understanding requiring the limitation or banning of baiting or feeding. 3. The bill removes the provision that previously gave the commission the authority to issue orders concerning deer and elk feeding, and instead directly addresses the allowance and restrictions around deer or elk baiting.