Baiting or Feeding Vermont Deer, Bear is Prohibited

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds us that baiting or feeding deer and bear is prohibited at all times in Vermont.

“People are telling us they are seeing bags of grain labelled as deer food in some Vermont stores and they want to know if it is legal to put it out for deer,” said Col. Jason Batchelder, Vermont’s chief game warden. “Because the Fish and Wildlife Department and Board have jurisdiction over wildlife and hunting regulations but not commerce, selling the product is legal, but it is strictly against Vermont law to put it out for deer in our state whether for feed or bait.”

Batchelder says wardens are receiving tips about people who are now placing food out to attract deer prior to hunting seasons. “We are following up on the tips and will be prosecuting violators,” he added.