The use of baiting materials such as salt, bait, food, or any artificial means by which Pennsylvania hunters attract, or lure game animals or wildlife, is currently unlawful under Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statues. While allowing open statewide deer baiting during hunting is impractical, there are special circumstances under which the practice may be warranted.
 
Approval of deer baiting exceptions requires the expertise of the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and should meet with the approval of the commission. The PGC would base it’s approval on its knowledge of the issue, while taking into account the effects any exception may have on the health and management of Pennsylvania’s deer population.
 
With this in mind, I plan to introduce legislation to authorize the PGC to allow special exceptions to permit hunters on private property, in areas designated by the PGC, to use bait to attract deer. Exceptions would apply only to specific removal purposes: addressing disease transmission, habitat degradation, or via a special use permit (such as disabled hunting permits).
 
These exceptions would allow for the removal of deer on a hyper-localized level in areas that provide little hunting opportunity due to their landscape. Allowing deer removal in these areas can help prevent property damage and assist in maintaining Pennsylvania’s deer population.

I hope you will join me in supporting this important measure.