blacktail deer bait

[bearpaw]

This rule prohibiting feeding was adopted last year:   

[bearpaw]

WACs > Title 220 > Chapter 220-440 > Section 220-440-260

220-440-250  <<  220-440-260 >>   End of Chapter

Agency filings affecting this section
WAC 220-440-260
Prohibition of feeding deer, elk, or moose.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, it is an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 (6)(b) to place, deposit, distribute, or scatter feed including, but not limited to, grain, hay, minerals, salt, fruit, or other such substances or food types to feed, lure or attract deer, elk, or moose not lawfully held in captivity. A person may not allow food to be placed for the purposes of feeding other wildlife that causes deer, elk, or moose to congregate.
(2) This rule does not apply in the completion of any of the following agricultural practices:
(a) Cultivation, production, and harvest of crops including, but not limited to, fruit, vegetable, hay, and grains; 
(b) Animal husbandry related to the care and feeding of domestic livestock and poultry.
(3) The director may authorize the feeding of deer, elk, or moose under the following conditions:
(a) Prevent damage to private property;
(b) Mitigate population loss anticipated by a predicted winter mortality;
(c) Support a WDFW research or management program.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.610, 77.12.620, 77.12.630, 77.12.071, and 77.145.010. WSR 25-09-079 (Order 24-16D), s 220-440-260, filed 4/16/25, effective 5/17/25.]

[bearpaw]

Language in the rule making allows for food plots. Language in the WAC does not include "food plots" specifically. I asked the WDFW enforcement sergeant in my area of Region 1 if I could plant food plots, he said yes. However, enforcement has a certain amount of latitude regarding interpreting laws, before you plant food plots in your area I would ask WDFW enforcement in your area if you can plant food plots.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Uncle Ted has an interesting view on the CWD theory.

[hunter399]

Anyone been to those feed stations lately......lol
Probably lots of elk being feed through the winter there...lol

All I know is dry side, drought and blue tongue, or by chance a hard winter kills.
Then add a side of predator pie , CWD and baiting really doesn't matter.
Cause our resources are so low,there is no reason to bait....lol
I've often wonder what WDFW will do,when there are no resources to protect.
Deer numbers are as low as ever seen around here,with no snow pack, drought coming this summer. Not looking good.
If anyone knows where they count deer in region 1 ,let me know.
So I can actually see a deer.

Mild winter= blue tongue die off
Hard winter= still more die off
Private land = food plots , back yard feeders
Public land = no baits
Add more predators

Deer are screwed.....lol

[MADMAX]

Just a few




Hundred

[hunter399]

Just a few




Hundred

Heck ya , I'm not mad they feed them.
I get the reason behind it,very cool to look at.
There's a few around here, usually in farm fields with the green stuff.
But you gotta drive around,eyes peeled, mourning is best.
No feeder here,just private fields being destroyed.

[Britt-dog]

Corn is king. If it were still legal I would definitely use corn.   

[Alchase]

Buuuuut... The Morning Doves also enjoy it and it isn't illegal to feed the birds so put up a no deer allowed sign next to your bird feed area and feed away.

Deer are stubborn and refuse to follow signs, just look at how may Deer Crossing signs there are and they still cross the road away from the signs and get hit

 

[270Flat]

Garbanzo beans

[kodiak06]

Language in the rule making allows for food plots. Language in the WAC does not include "food plots" specifically. I asked the WDFW enforcement sergeant in my area of Region 1 if I could plant food plots, he said yes. However, enforcement has a certain amount of latitude regarding interpreting laws, before you plant food plots in your area I would ask WDFW enforcement in your area if you can plant food plots.

There's absolutely nothing illegal about food plots on private property. One must remember a 15' area of clover and rye isn't a food plot and will concentrate animals to one spot.

[Bob33]

Buuuuut... The Morning Doves also enjoy it and it isn't illegal to feed the birds so put up a no deer allowed sign next to your bird feed area and feed away.

[WapitiTalk1]