question about new york hunting?

[brudaman340]

I was wondering if it is legal in ny to put out bait piles to shed hunt? Obviously this would be way after out season and thats why im wondering if it is legal. I know its illegal to bait deer to hunt but, if i but a bait pile under a shed trap if that would be allowed? Thanks

[Turkeygirl]

From what I know, likely not. Because of CWD concerns and all that, there is no feeding deer anymore outside of hunting season. Used to be you could but they made a law a couple years back that there is no feeding allowed what so ever.

[GWSmith]

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7197.html

Part 189 of Title 6 of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York was adopted on July 30, 2003. Part of this rule restricts the feeding of deer.

In New York, it is illegal to feed deer by putting out any material that attracts deer to feed.

There are five exceptions to the rule:

1. Agricultural crops including wildlife food plots.

2. Distribution of food to livestock.

3. Distribution of food to captive deer.

4. Cutting of trees and brush.

5. Scientific research, wildlife damage abatement, and wildlife population

reduction programs, but only under a permit issued by DEC.

Why did DEC place restrictions on deer feeding?

The rule was issued in response to the threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) being introduced into New York. The nature of CWD requires prompt and extraordinary actions to address the threat posed by this disease. The purpose of this rule is to prevent the introduction of this disease into New York, to restrict those activities that may increase the risk of the development or spread of CWD in New York and to protect the health of wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in New York.

Feeding deer artificially concentrates them in one location for extended periods of time. CWD is most likely transmitted from deer to deer by direct contact between animals, or indirectly through contact with waste food, urine, and feces that build up at feeding sites, although the exact transmittal mechanism is currently unknown. Although CWD has not been found in New York, this measure is a precaution to help prevent the spread of CWD if it already exists in the state, or if it is introduced later. The incubation period for CWD can be three years or longer, and an outbreak among white-tailed deer at feeding sites could spread the disease before clinically-ill individuals are observed. This would greatly hamper efforts to control the disease. Other diseases, such as Bovine Tuberculosis, can also be spread quickly at feeding sites, where animals are in close contact with each other and with waste products every day.

Another risk associated with deer feeding is the possibility that the infectious agent of CWD could be present in commercial feeds. Some commercial livestock feed may be produced using rendered animal parts, which could contain the infectious agent. If the agent is present in these foods it could infect any deer that eats the food. Federal regulations in effect since 1997 require feeds containing mammalian protein to be labeled to prohibit them from being fed to any ruminants, including deer and elk. The DEC regulation mirrors this restriction to call attention to the special risk associated with misuse of feeds not intended for ruminants.

What is the penalty for violating the feeding regulation?

The penalty for illegally feeding deer is a violation punishable by a fine of up to $250 and 15 days in jail for each day of the offense. Multiple offenses may result in the revocation of hunting, fishing and/or trapping privileges for up to five years.

[brudaman340]

ok thank you. Would a mineral lick be considered feeding them and if so what else could be used to make a shed trap that is legal?

[Doc]

I suspect that providing anything that a deer ingests is probably considered feeding. But some prosecutions may depend on just how picky or literal that wardens and judges may want to interpret things. Personally, I would tend to stay completely away from any activity that could in any way be considered to be feeding.

So, what is a "shed trap" and how does it work????

Doc

[GWSmith]

So, what is a "shed trap" and how does it work????

Doc

Here's one version...

[Doc]

Interesting!! I wonder if they actually work?

Doc

[Adjam5]

I have found that if there is snow on the ground, deer will go for freshly cut browse. That is the preferred/natural source and most available food to them at a time when they are yarding up. They're stomachs have moved into this stage of digestion at this point in the year. Corn and such can hurt them in winter. Many trees fall under the winter snow and deer take advantage of this and consume the twig tips.

I don't think there is anything against the law with shed traps, just can't give unnatural food sources( as outlined above posts) to attract the deer.

Cut some birch branches down...it is aromatic and NYS DEC advises people to cut browse for the deer in the hard winter months.

Good Luck.