Bill > HB258

This bill prohibits the practice of baiting deer, meaning placing attractive food like salt, fruit, nuts, or grain to lure deer, and also forbids knowingly taking deer from such a baited area. The executive director of the relevant department can grant special permits for scientific purposes, animal damage control, or other reasons allowing baiting, but this general prohibition applies otherwise. The bill also makes it illegal to feed deer with attractive foods during any open deer hunting season, though normal agricultural and forest practices are exempt. Violators face penalties, with natural persons being guilty of a violation and other entities guilty of a misdemeanor, and the act takes effect 60 days after its passage.