Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2001
For more information:  Mark Smedsrud, 362-2700

DEER ATTRACTANTS PROHIBITED

PIERRE – South Dakota’s archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 22, and state Game, Fish and Parks officials are reminding hunters that hunting over deer licks or bait stations is prohibited.

"Deer licks, mixes and attractant blocks have become popular hunting aids the last few years," said Assistant Law Supervisor Mark Smedsrud of Sioux Falls, "and it appears some businesses are selling these deer treats as an aid to hunting big game."

Both South Dakota Codified Law 41-8-16 and Administrative Rule of South Dakota 41:06:04:03 address the use of this type of bait or attractant, and all except scent are illegal to use for attracting and hunting big game. Smedsrud said a bait station is defined as a place where edible foodstuffs or minerals are placed or maintained as an attractant to game animals. The use of scents alone does not constitute a bait station.

Smedsrud noted that conservation officers will be watching for bait around tree stands when the archery deer season opens. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

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