Deer Baiting In New Brunswick

Deer baiting is a controversial topic among hunters in New Brunswick. While some hunters believe that it is a sure-fire way to get a deer, others argue that it is unethical and should be illegal. Deer baiting refers to hunting and feeding deer within the same season outside of an enclosure, and this practice is illegal in New Brunswick with fines ranging from $2,000 for first-time offenders to up to $10,000 for repeat offenders. Despite this, some hunters in New Brunswick continue to use bait such as apples, corn, and salt licks to attract deer. Some hunters defend this technique, arguing that it is a valid method to increase their odds of a successful hunt. Others choose not to bait, opting instead to study deer habits and habitat and rely on their hunting skills. The debate around deer baiting in New Brunswick highlights the differing opinions among hunters regarding the ethics and effectiveness of this practice.

What are the best baits to use for deer?

Deer baiting is a controversial topic among hunters. In some states, it's part of the hunting tradition, while in others, it's long been illegal. Even where baiting is allowed, there are usually strict guidelines on how it can and can't be done.

If you're looking for the best baits to use for deer, here are some options to consider:

• Corn is the most commonly used bait for deer. It is readily available and deer love it. However, corn might not be the best attractant to use in the late season as it can have fatal consequences for deer due to the microorganisms in their stomach.
• Peanut butter is an unconventional but effective attractant for deer. It is cheap and contains many nutrients that deer need.
• Acorns are naturally found in forests and loved by deer and other animals. Using acorns that are not available in the forest or area you are hunting can add variety to the deer's diet.
• Sugar beets are sweet and sugary fruits that attract deer. They can be used in a bucket or spread out.
• Salt is not readily available to deer in the forest, so it can be an effective attractant. It also contains important nutrients and minerals for deer. In some states, using salt to attract deer is not considered baiting, so it can be a legal option where other baits are not allowed.
• Apples are a great way to attract deer, especially bowhunters. Deer will travel long distances to get to an apple tree.
• Chestnuts used to be common in the Eastern US but were killed off by a disease. Some hunters claim that deer in these regions still prefer chestnuts over other foods.
• Molasses is very sweet and has a strong scent, making it an attractive bait for deer.
• Cranberries are high in nutrients and can help keep the deer population healthy. They are also easy to store and transport.
• Pumpkins are easy to find and inexpensive. You can use the whole pumpkin or just the guts as bait.
• Buckwheat is high in protein and a great source of nutrition for deer.
• Mineral mixes such as Lucky Buck Mineral and Outdoor Hunting Lab Antler Power Deer Minerals provide deer with essential trace minerals for antler growth and overall health.
• Protein-based lures like Big & J BB2 provide deer with the minerals they need while also acting as a food source.
• Liquid attractants like Primos Donkey Juice Molasses feature sweet acorn and molasse flavours that deer love.
• Fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans are also loved by deer.

Is it legal to bait deer in New Brunswick?

Baiting deer is not legal in New Brunswick. The practice, which refers to hunting and feeding deer within the same season outside of an enclosure, could lead to a $2,000 fine for first-time offenders and up to $10,000 for repeat offences. Baiting convictions may also result in a ban from hunting or fishing anywhere in the province for up to five years, as well as potential criminal charges.

In 2013, there were rumours that baiting deer would become illegal in New Brunswick the following year. While some hunters were in favour of this, others believed it would be difficult to enforce.

It is important to only hunt on land that you have permission from the landowner to be on, or where you have purchased an appropriate hunting licence. Hunters can be fined and charged with trespassing if they are caught hunting in fenced land or on private property.

What are the potential consequences of baiting deer in New Brunswick?

Baiting deer is illegal in New Brunswick and can lead to serious consequences. First-time offenders may face a $2,000 fine, while repeat offenders can be fined up to $10,000. In addition to these financial penalties, individuals convicted of baiting may also face criminal charges and be banned from hunting or fishing anywhere in the province for up to five years. These restrictions can significantly impact an individual's ability to engage in outdoor recreational activities and may result in further legal troubles if violated.

It is important to note that hunting without the appropriate license or on private property without permission can also result in fines and trespassing charges. Hunters must be mindful of the rules and regulations regarding baiting and hunting in general to avoid these potential consequences.

The practice of baiting has been a topic of debate among hunters and wildlife researchers. Some hunters argue that baiting is an effective way to boost their odds of seeing game and making a successful hunt. However, others believe that it reduces the skill and challenge involved in hunting, making it unethical. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential negative impacts of baiting on wildlife populations and ecosystems.

Some of the possible consequences of baiting deer, as highlighted by wildlife researchers, include increased competition between dominant and subordinate deer, conflicts between wildlife and humans, and the spread of diseases like CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease). Baiting can also lead to an over-concentration of wildlife in certain areas, which can have various ecological implications.

Furthermore, the type of bait used can also have unintended consequences. For example, moldy corn used as bait may contain mycotoxins that can be harmful to certain bird species, such as turkeys and songbirds.

Overall, while baiting deer may provide some benefits to hunters, it is important to consider the potential consequences and follow the local laws and regulations to avoid legal and environmental issues.

What are the views of hunters on baiting deer?

Hunters have differing views on baiting deer. Some believe that it is a sure-fire way to increase their harvest rate, while others think it is unethical and takes away from the skill and enjoyment of hunting.

Some hunters argue that baiting is a practical and efficient method for harvesting deer. They believe that it increases their chances of success and makes the hunting process more convenient. In a forum, one hunter mentions that baiting is especially useful for archery hunting, as it can be challenging to walk around in the woods with a bow. Another hunter shares their experience of using baiting to attract deer to a specific location, which allows them to observe and study the deer's behaviour. They suggest that baiting can be combined with other hunting methods, such as still hunting or stand hunting, to increase the odds of a successful harvest.

On the other hand, some hunters express concerns about the ethics and impact of baiting deer. One hunter in the forum states that baiting takes away from the traditional hunting experience and reduces the challenge of seeking out the deer in their natural habitat. They advocate for learning deer habits, habitat, and woodcraft skills instead of relying solely on baiting. Another hunter agrees, mentioning that baiting makes it "too easy" to shoot a big buck and diminishes the hunter's skill and knowledge of hunting techniques. They also highlight the potential for over-harvesting, as baiting can lead to a higher success rate.

Some hunters also bring up the legal aspect of baiting deer. While it is legal in some places, it is prohibited in certain regions, including New Brunswick, Ontario, P.E.I., and Manitoba. Hunters who engage in baiting in these areas may face significant fines and even bans from hunting or fishing.

Overall, the views of hunters on baiting deer vary. Some find it to be a useful technique that increases their chances of a successful harvest, while others believe it detracts from the traditional hunting experience and reduces the challenge and skill involved in hunting.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of baiting deer?

Baiting deer is a highly controversial topic, with many states having partial or full bans in place. While some hunters believe that it is unethical and offers an unfair advantage, others argue that it increases their chances of success and helps with precision and accuracy, especially in bow hunting. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of baiting deer:

Advantages of Baiting Deer:

• It increases the chances of a successful hunt, making it more likely for hunters to harvest a deer. This is especially beneficial for new, young, or disabled hunters who might otherwise struggle to make a clean kill.
• It can be useful in areas with limited natural food sources, drawing deer to a specific location and altering their movement patterns.
• It can help with shot placement, as bait piles bring deer into the perfect shooting lane and keep them still while the hunter lines up their shot.
• It can aid in off-season inventory, allowing hunters to keep track of deer with rack sizes they are interested in.
• It can help meet harvest goals in high-density areas by concentrating deer in one place.
• It can keep other hunters occupied, allowing those who do not use bait to explore less crowded hunting spots.
• It can be beneficial for the local economy, as businesses in remote areas often rely on the sale of bait to hunters.

Disadvantages of Baiting Deer:

• It can lead to the spread of diseases, such as chronic wasting disease (CWD) and bovine tuberculosis, as deer congregate in close contact near bait piles.
• It can negatively impact the health of deer by altering their feeding patterns, reproduction habits, behaviour, and migration. The bait might also not meet their nutritional needs and can cause digestive issues.
• It can decrease daytime movement and increase nocturnal activity, making hunting more challenging during legal shooting hours.
• It can be costly and time-consuming, as bait sites need to be regularly refilled to keep deer coming back.
• It can attract unwanted animals, such as raccoons, squirrels, and songbirds, which can be frustrating for hunters.
• It can decrease the size of deer home ranges, negatively impacting native vegetation and their natural habitat.
• It might be considered unethical and give hunters an unfair advantage, going against the principles of Fair Chase, a set of ethics many hunters live by.

Frequently asked questions