Small Food Plots On Public Land

[CurlewLLC]

Hunter grown food plots on public lands, are they legal ?

[N7XW]

I'm definitely tagging along for this one 

[flyfishWA]

thats what I was wondering to

[Henrydog]

State land use regulations prohibit the destruction, damage, or removal of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses or other vegetation. The use of
 motorized vehicles off of designated roads or trails is also not allowed.  I think our state DNR would see a food plot as destruction and damage.

 On National Forest land, it is illegal to introduce seeds, fertilizer, potting soils, chemicals or other substances.  I think this was to combat dope and homesteading but looks like another no go.

[CP]

If you planted one would you expect to have the exclusive right to hunt it? 

[bearpaw]

I doubt it's legal to till/plant on public land of any type. I'm sure there is a serious and rightful concern for introduction of invasive non-natural species!

[bigtex]

Hunter grown food plots on public lands, are they legal ?

No

[CurlewLLC]

Absolutely not CP, its public land. You have as much right to be there as anyone else. If you happened to stumble upon it and were there before I arrived I would just hunt on. I would expect others to use it. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't give up its location on this forum, but first come serve.

[CP]

I expect if you did plant one it would be vandalized by either fellow hunters that don't approve of food plot hunting, berry/mushroom/whatever pickers that don't appreciate infringement on "their" resource, anti-hunters, tweakers, or whomever for whatever reason. 

Public land sees all kinds of people.  You'd need to hide it well.

   

[fishnfur]

...and unless it was placed in full sun, it wouldn't grow well enough to attract deer from their normal browse.

[HoofsandWings]

What about conservation land? I believe there is a section in Oak Creek.
Also RMEF land?

[bearpaw]

What about conservation land? I believe there is a section in Oak Creek.
Also RMEF land?

@bigtex may have specific details, but I think you need to contact the land manager of any land before planting anywhere.

[fisheral87]

I believe this was discussed recently on the meateater podcast at one of their live broadcasts. Denver maybe?

At any rate, the respondent took the position that for most public or managed lands there is a structured management plan and a process around how changes are made. So any substantial modification to the land outside of the current plan would be at least unallowable and at worst unlawful.

I considered it an enviable skill to be able to identify those areas that naturally attract animals due to feed, water, structure, minerals or any other characteristic. I work at it.

Al