The Wisconsin DNR is asking hunters to avoid baiting and feeding deer as the crossbow and archery hunting season begins.
This weekend marks the start of both seasons and the DNR is looking to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer.
CWD is an always-fatal disease that affects deer, elk, caribou, and moose and can spread through contact with saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids.
Baiting and feeding deer encourages the animals to congregate unnaturally around a specific location, thus potentially contaminating an environment with CWD.
Baiting is the intentional placement of any material, such as food, scented materials, minerals, and grains, to attract deer to a desired location.
The DNR states that the changes deer make due to baiting and feeding could cause the unnecessary spread of this harmful disease.
It is also noted that baiting and feeding are prohibited in a vast majority of counties, including Sheboygan, Calumet, Winnebago, and Outagamie Counties, making it illegal to do so regardless.
However, it is legal within Manitowoc, Brown, Kewaunee, and Door Counties, four of the eleven in the state where it is legal.
With hunting season beginning, the DNR wants to ensure that hunters are participating in safe and legal measures across Wisconsin.
