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Ask a CO: On deer baiting

A reader asks about the legalities of deer baiting before the season opens. MNR Provincial Enforcement Specialist David Critchlow responds.

Q: I was told I can’t hunt deer over bait like apples and corn and to stop baiting near stands two weeks before the season starts. Is this correct?

Dave Hubley, Orillia

A: This information is not correct. Ontario does not have any regulations pertaining to bait­ing for deer, apart from not being able to use a prod­uct (e.g., lure or scent) that contains or purports to contain the feces, urine, blood, gland oil, saliva, or other bodily fluids of a member of the deer family, as these products may contain prions that cause chronic wasting disease.

Answer by: David Critchlow, Provincial Enforcement Specialist, MNR

Please check the most recent Ontario hunting and fishing regulations summaries, as rules and regulations can change

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Originally published in the Fall 2024 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS

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