Monday, September 15, 2025By Blake JacksonThe Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters and residents to help protect the state’s deer herd by following baiting and feeding bans. Baiting refers to placing substances such as food, grains, salts, minerals, or scented materials to attract wild animals for hunting. Both activities cause deer to gather in unnatural numbers at concentrated sites, which can accelerate the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Exceptions are allowed for feeding birds and small mammals, provided feeders are placed within 50 yards of a home and designed to prevent deer access. For details on current regulations and a county-by-county map of active bans, visit the DNR’s Baiting and Feeding Regulations webpage.