Hunting deer with bait is illegal

Hunters are not allowed to take deer with the aid or use of bait anywhere in Minnesota. “Taking” includes attempting to take.

Baiting means placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering bait that is capable of attracting or enticing deer.

Bait includes grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay or other food that is capable of attracting or enticing deer and has been placed by a person.

Liquid scents (example: doe in heat), sprays, salt, and minerals are not bait if they do not contain liquid or solid food products.

Read the ingredient label on all products prior to use. Many products, including newer liquid, powder and block forms, contain food or attractants such as grains, fruits, and sugar derivatives (glucose, dextrose, and fructose). If a salt or mineral product has anything other than salt or mineral in it, it is illegal to use for hunting.

Agricultural crops from normal or accepted farming, forest management, wildlife food plantings, orchard management, or other similar land management activities are not bait. This exclusion does not apply to agricultural crops that have been reintroduced and concentrated where a person is hunting.

A person otherwise in compliance with this section who is hunting on private or public property that is adjacent to the property where bait or food is present is not in violation if the person has not participated in, been involved with, or agreed to baiting or feeding wildlife on the adjacent property.

All bait must be completely removed for 10 days prior to hunting. Penalties for baiting violations include revocation and confiscation.