DNR must impose baiting and feeding bans in any county with a confirmed CWD-positive wild or captive deer
Sep 14, 2026, 10:08 PM CT
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As hunting season approaches, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters and members of the public to protect the health of the state's deer herd by adhering to all baiting and feeding bans. The department also encourages individuals to refrain from baiting and feeding even in areas where bans are not currently in effect.
Baiting is defined as the intentional placement of food, scents, salts, minerals, or grains to attract wild animals for hunting purposes. Feeding refers to placing materials to feed or attract wild animals for non-hunting purposes, such as recreational viewing. Both practices cause deer to congregate unnaturally in specific spots, significantly increasing the likelihood of spreading contagious diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
CWD is an always-fatal neurological disorder affecting deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Caused by misshapen prion proteins, the disease spreads through direct contact with an infected animal’s saliva, blood, feces, or urine, as well as indirect contact with contaminated environments. Because CWD prions are exceptionally resilient and can remain in the soil for extended periods, high-traffic feed sites pose a long-term contamination risk.
To mitigate transmission, state law mandates that the DNR impose baiting and feeding bans in any county with a confirmed CWD-positive wild or captive deer, as well as any county within 10 miles of a positive detection. A confirmed case triggers a three-year ban in the host county and a two-year ban in adjoining counties within the 10-mile radius. Should additional positive cases occur while a ban is active, the ban timeline resets for an additional two to three years.
In counties where bans are active, residents are still permitted to feed birds and small mammals provided the feeding devices are located within 50 yards of a human home and positioned or designed to prevent deer from gaining access. For full details on regulations and active ban maps, visit the DNR’s Baiting and Feeding Regulations webpage.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
