I think what GR8atta2d is saying is that ag fields are not planted for the benefit of the deer but planted as a cash crop for the farmer. If something is planted for the benefit of the deer then it can be construed as baiting while, if planted for other reasons, then it would not be considered baiting.

I, for one, don't necessarily see it as whether it is indigenous or not, but look to the reason for the planting of the crop/food source. IMO, if a food source was planted by a human for the purpose of feeding/luring deer then it is bait. If the food source exists for other reasons then it is not bait.

Why did I plant the soy?? Is it a means of income, or only to attract deer?? I'm not talking hidden agendas here, where..yes I "can" sell the soy, and justify my plot. Is it a means of needed income?


Edit: Thanks Bruce..I thought I said that..but somehow it got lost.

Baiting for deer is not legal in Minnesota, I wouldn't do it if it was legal. Baiting for bear is legal and yes I do it.

No. It's illegal wouldn't do it if it was.

I wouldn't have a problem with you guys assessment.....if the farmer were the only one hunting his ag crops.

Why are the other hunters there? Do THEY view the ag crops as "bait"? Are those ag crops acting as "bait" for the hunter? Yes or no?

Well at last now I see what you're driving at. Jeff who are you going to ask for permission. 100 guys that have 2 acre lots or the guy who has the most land in one shot? Who owns the biggest parcels of hunt-able land? In these parts it's farmers.

I'm going to ask the guy who has the BEST land I think I can gain access to.....which holds or attracts the best animals. I'm also gonna call a spade a spade.

Ag crops may "act" as bait but that is not their purpose. The same with the oak stand. It may act as bait but that is not its purpose. And the purpose of the food source is what defines it, IMO.

Schultzy,

why is it that you bait for bear but would not bait for deer? Assuming that it were legal.

Of coarse ag crops act as an attractant to deer. Just like acorns do. Isn't hunting food sources part of huntimg? Guys planting food plots are helping the health of the herds in their area. It's not a destructive practice, it's a positve. I can't understand how hunting a peanut field planted for profit, or a peanut field planted for deer attraction only, is any different. Same with fruit trees. You're still hunting the deer ATTRACTED to the peanuts or fruit. If I plant whiteoak trees, I'm baiting?