I emailed DEC about this last year, here is a copy of the conversation. The convo starts at the bottom BTW.
John, funny you should mention the placement of signs alerting people that the feeding of deer is illegal. NYS had a law that required that exact thing until last year when it was repealed. Please don't ask me why it was repealed, because I don't have any idea. (this is why the saying "I don't make the laws, I just enforce them" was created) Tom
>>> "John" 08/28/11 12:04 PM >>>
Lt Stoner,
Thanks for the reply. I actually didn’t think about deer farms. Maybe the DEC and the state of NY should look into passing a law or code that makes the retailers post signs along side the product that clearly states these products are illegal to use at any time of the year for wild deer. That way people that do not already know the law, or are being told the wrong information by other mis-informed people that are employed by the stores would see it right when they are looking at which product they are considering. The stores could be sent an electronic copy of the sign and would be required to print and display them. Just a thought. Again, thanks for the reply.
John
From: Thomas Stoner
Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2011 11:12 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Question on baiting products for deer
Hello John, I understand your confusion and your frustration is shared by many law abiding hunters and citzens alike. However there are literally hundreds of deer farms and licensed shooting preserves in NYS where these products may legally be used. So there is a legitimate and legal reason for stores to stock and sell those products. You are correct though in the fact that often those products are sold and used for illegal activity. While the legitimate sale and use of these products can't be prohibited, concerned and ethical sportsman should cooperate with law enforcement to apprehend and prosecute those who knowingly violate the law. Thanks for your interest and concern, Lt. Tom Stoner
>>> "John" 08/24/11 2:11 PM >>>
I am a little confused about the DEC policy on bait for deer. DEC states that baiting and supplemental feeding of deer is illegal any time of the year, yet many stores carry products that are sold for nothing other than to bait, attract and feed deer. For example, Gander Mountain in Henrietta has 2 aisles dedicated to products like C’mere Deer, Deer Caine, Acorn Rage, Trophy Rocks and many other brands of bait and mineral licks. I have heard employees of the store explain to customers just how to use these products to attract deer to trail cameras, etc and tell them that they use it with their cams near their homes. A few times I have walked over and tried to explain that using those products is illegal in NY, only to have the customer or employee tell me that they believe that it is fine to use any time other than during open deer seasons. I know that is not true, and that those people are mistaken. Every time I go into Gander Mountain, I see people walking out with bags and jugs of the stuff. My confusion is why does the DEC allow those products to be sold in the state, if its not legal to use in the state? Seems to me that people think they can use it because they can buy it here.
Thanks,
John