Deer Baiting Ban Under Fire as Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Repeal

Rep. Wortz pushes controversial measure to lift deer baiting ban in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula amid growing concerns over deer overpopulation and crop damage.

Wortz’s Push to Reverse NRC Deer Baiting Ban Policy Spurs Heated Debate

A new bill introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives could dramatically reshape the state’s deer hunting regulations. House Bill 4445, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy) and eight other lawmakers, proposes to reverse a longstanding ban on deer baiting throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

The measure comes in direct opposition to current orders from the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), which prohibit deer baiting to prevent disease spread among white-tailed deer, particularly chronic wasting disease (CWD). Wortz’s plan would permit baiting during open deer seasons, allowing hunters to legally place feed to lure game, a practice widely popular before the ban took effect.

“The ban on deer baiting robs hunters of freedom and takes away a commonsense hunting tactic,” Wortz said in a press release. “This over-the-top mandate makes even less sense right now, with deer overpopulation wreaking havoc for farmers, gardeners, and drivers across Michigan.”

Michigan’s Deer Crisis: More Collisions, Crop Losses

Wortz and supporters argue that the NRC’s 2018 baiting ban has led to unintended consequences. Instead of reducing disease, they say deer have shifted to congregating in crop fields, increasing agricultural losses and traffic collisions.

The push to lift the ban is paired with Wortz’s additional legislative efforts to incentivize doe hunting—an attempt to manage deer herd sizes more directly.

Michigan farmers, particularly in the Thumb and central counties, have voiced increasing frustration over the damage deer cause to soybeans, corn, and other crops. Rural counties also report rising insurance claims linked to deer-vehicle crashes.

Inside the Details of House Bill 4445

The bill seeks to amend key sections of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (PA 451 of 1994). It redefines “deer or elk baiting” and stipulates that the practice would be legal if conducted during open hunting seasons. Importantly, the new language would sidestep NRC authority by codifying baiting allowances into statute rather than administrative order.

The proposed text specifies what does and does not count as baiting or feeding. Feed types include grain, mineral, salt, hay, fruit, or vegetables, excluding naturally growing crops and normal agricultural byproducts.

Under the bill, baiting would be legal unless it is done to feed deer recreationally or prevent starvation, practices still under NRC jurisdiction.

Critics Raise Alarms Over Disease Spread and Ethics

Wildlife advocates and disease researchers have long warned against baiting. They argue that feeding sites unnaturally concentrate deer populations, facilitating the transmission of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and bovine tuberculosis—both of which have been found in Michigan herds.

Opponents also point to the erosion of science-based wildlife policy. The current ban was developed by the NRC, a constitutionally authorized body intended to separate wildlife decisions from political influence.

What Comes Next for HB 4445

House Bill 4445 has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism, where it will face its first test. The proposal’s fate may hinge on whether bipartisan support can be secured, particularly in districts where hunting is culturally and economically significant.

As Michigan’s deer herd continues to grow, the tension between disease prevention and practical herd management is likely to remain in sharp focus. Whether HB 4445 gains momentum or stalls will offer insight into the Legislature’s stance on balancing hunter rights, public safety, and wildlife health.

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