The Department may issue baiting permits to landowners for
specific sites on private land where the baiting of big game animals will be
allowed during open hunting seasons as prescribed by Commission regulation.
Before issuing a permit, the Department shall determine that conditions exist
which are limiting the ability to take big game animals on a specific parcel of
private land for the purpose of addressing damage to private property, human
safety, disease issues or population management. Baiting permits may be issued
subject to the following conditions and limitations:
(a) Baiting permits shall only be issued for
private land.
(b) Baited areas
shall not be used for commercial use.
(c) The proposed baiting area shall be
inspected by Department personnel prior to a permit being issued.
(d) It shall be the landowner's
responsibility to assure that baiting of big game is not contrary to the laws
of the appropriate county or municipality where baiting will occur. No baiting
permit shall be issued contrary to the laws of the appropriate county or
municipality where baiting will occur.
(e) Baiting permits shall expire on the last
day of the regular hunting season for the big game species for which the permit
was issued, or as otherwise indicated on the baiting permit.
(f) Permits may be immediately revoked if the
Department determines:
(i) The applicant made
a false statement to obtain the permit.
(ii) The conditions which originally
qualified the applicant to obtain a permit no longer exist.
(iii) Unforeseen negative consequences have
been created by persons taking big game animal(s) within, or by having wildlife
attracted to the baited area, as determined by the Regional Wildlife
Supervisor.
(g) When a
permit has been revoked, all bait must be removed immediately and no hunting
shall be allowed at the baited area for ten (10) days thereafter.
(h) No person shall take any big game animal
within a baited area other than the big game species designated on the baiting
permit.
(i) Baited areas may be
inspected by Department law enforcement personnel at any time during the dates
the baiting permit is valid.
(j) A
copy of an approved baiting permit shall be left with the landowner as
authorization to bait during the dates specified on the baiting
permit.
