Hunting Over Bait Debate
Baiting game animals is a common practice in many areas, and it is usually a source of debate wherever it is practiced. It’s no different in Georgia where a bill containing language about the practice is currently in the legislature. The specifics dealing with baiting seeks to remove a set limit the hunter has to be from the feeder while hunting.
I know there are varying views as to whether it is ethical to hunt directly over a feeder or not, and for good reason. In my opinion, doing so is the equivalent of shooting fish in a barrel. I just don’t see the sport in it. I’m definitely not against the use of feeders/bait, though, as they can be used in a way that doesn’t give you an unfair advantage over the animal you’re hunting.
One of the best tactics a hunter has at his/her disposal is setting up on a trail between bedding and feeding areas. While it greatly increases the odds of the hunter, it still gives the animal a fair advantage because there is always the chance they may deviate from the normal route. The same is true whether it is a natural food plot, a planted food plot, or a feeder/bait location.
Thousands of hunters are successful this way every year, so it seems like hunters backing the proposal in Georgia could be as well. There is, however, one good point made in the reasoning for backing of the bill. It would open up the opportunity for landowners with acreage too small to plant food plots and/or use feeders/bait under the current law to do so. Still, I don’t see the need to hunt directly over them, but rather someplace on a route the animal takes to the location.
That’s just my view, what’s yours?
hunting, legislation, Georgia, feeders, baiting, debate
March 27th, 2007 at 11:49 am
We are not allowed to hunt over bait in Utah so I am not sure if I would or not. That being said I guess if you are just meat hunting it would be okay.