Deer Trail v.s Bait Pile

[Dead*shot]

I would like to know do you get more luck hunting Deer Trail or bait pile.....I believe you are more sucessful with a bait pile....But on the other hand my uncle has shot alot more bucks hunting deer trails!...I'll be honest, this is my 3rd year hunting archery so far only! So the advice from you guys would be appreciated!:D

[fulldraw]

You will find out alot of people on this sight are against bait piles, I am not going to say I don't you them but to answere your question I have had more luck on trails, do a little scoutting find the rub lines and heavy deer sign and that is were you want to put your stand. If you want to put a little lure, it will help but I would probley suggest not to use bait.

Good Luck and Have Fun,

[Oct.1]

I have found that funnel areas are better in the long run.
Find a place where 3 or 4 trails come together. Usually this is where the deer are leaving a bedding area and heading to a water hole or a feeding area. It’s a natural travel route and the deer aren’t nervous like there are over bait.

[SPH]

Depends on what type of property you are hunting. If you are hunting state land I would go to the trails and scouting and skip the bait. If you are hunting private property and are limited on stand placement baiting may be a better way to go.

[Erik]

Hunting up north I suspect you'll see alot more deer over bait. Down where I do most of my hunting in southern MI I don't see any reason to use bait. But to each his own. I certainly have nothing against the practice as long as you keep it legal.
Truthfully I'm too lazy to keep a bait pile going :)

[Gilbey]

I've had success on both. A lot say that your big bucks don't eat off a pile, but I'd argue that one. I've killed two bucks off a pile following the does in, but hunt back off the pile, not right on it.

Last year walking into my pile during bow season. I had a bag of corn in one hand, bow in the other, I was going to throw a few kernels down and go hunt a rub line, and there was the buck I was hunting digging in the dirt looking for a snack. Beautiful rack, but couldn't get closer than 37 yards. Tried to slip in an arrow between 18 or so trees, hit the last one. Hope I get to see him this year.

Anyways, bait is great. Gets the does coming to you. Sometimes the bucks. But to me, the bucks usually sit 50 yds/70 yds back and just watch. Or come in after dark.

If you do hunt bow season without bait. Try a drag line in late October with some doe juice, I see more bucks doing that every year. Make sure to bring a grunt call too so that while the bucks are cruising you can give a quick grunt to stop them so you have a shot.

[Pinefarm]

IMHO, in the NLP, you'll have much better luck seeing and/or killing fawns, younger does and yearling bucks over bait. But I think you'll have a better chance of killing mature does and bucks 2.5 years or older on a trail and/or funnel.

[old graybeard]

Ever thought of hunting all those trails that lead to a bait pile??????????

[Thunderhead]

Sitting on a rock staring at a pile of carrots isn't my bag.

If you really want a rush, try this.

Read the woods like you would a steelhead stream. Look. Listen. Put it all together and learn what's going on around you.

The deer are feeding somewhere, find it, as well as why they are there at that time of the year. Just like us, deer have favorite foods. Find security areas, bedding areas, escape routes, buck trails and doe trails. These are all part of the game and the very essence of hunting to me.
Learn to read tracks, they will tell you the story.

Deer are smart, you need to be smarter.

I'm not putting anybody down that baits....hey, whatever blows you hair back.

But, mono e mono and learning their secrets, especially the big bucks is something you'll never forget. Killing him is anti-climatic, Getting yourself into the position to send him to the promised land, wether you actually get him or not is what's going to give you the confidence and experience to do it again.........consistantly.

You might fool the does and smaller bucks, but the big ones know that your there, or have been there at one time or another.
Figuring out their next move to avoid you and setting up accordingly is the trick here. Everything will come into play and you'll begin to see patterns and habits as you get into it.

Best Of Luck :)

[bumpbottom]

I think Thunderhead nailed it right on the head. I have no opinion either way on baiting or not baiting, but I have had much better sucess hunting trails. Put the time in ahead of season and study an arial map (the big picture) try and figure out the funnels between the bedding and feeding areas and pick a good looking spot to set up on. The deer are more relaxed and won't know you are there until it is too late. Move your stand often and keep them guessing (1 or 2 hunts max).
When you hunt bait, it is real easy to burn out a stand. Whether you think so or not, everytime you go there you leave a little more scent. The big guys no this and will avoid it like the plague. I shot one of my biggest deer about 100yds from my buddies baitpile during the chase phase. he was seeing tons of does but the bucks would not come in. I set up on a vantage point that the bucks could see the does from but thought they were out of danger.
If you want to bag an older buck, you need to get your mindset to think like and older buck.

[SPH]

What if you are only hunting a 20acre parcel and you know the deer are walking 100 yards away from where you are able to set a stand. Do you just accept the fact that you can't get good stand placement or do you bait them in?

No right or wrong answer but you guys talk like we all have unlimited access to bedding areas and funnels and that is not the case. Private property and bounderies limit alot of hunters in Michigan.

[stebo]

I combine the two. I usually throw out a half bag or so of shelled corn when I get to my stand, a few yards off of a deer trail. I use the bait, just to get their attention and to get them to stop. My bait isn't used to attract the deer from miles away.

[nessenswamper]

I have hunted with bait and without, and by far I have saw more deer just hunting trails. Using bait the deer would just come in at night. I gave up the baiting and have much more luck that way.

[Thunderhead]

What if you are only hunting a 20acre parcel and you know the deer are walking 100 yards away from where you are able to set a stand. Do you just accept the fact that you can't get good stand placement or do you bait them in?

No right or wrong answer but you guys talk like we all have unlimited access to bedding areas and funnels and that is not the case. Private property and bounderies limit alot of hunters in Michigan.


98% of the bucks I've killed, I called into range.

[Dead*shot]

Thanks everyone for all of the advice...now my question is, would it be best to put my stand right between where they feed and bed down if i'm going to hunt morning and nite?

[bumpbottom]

SPH if you are limited on your land you may try and find other spots as well. I have had pretty good sucess getting permission from several folks. Ask in advance, don't bring your buddies, and Always show your appreciation. I normally show up in the summer. I have rototilled gardens, loaded hay, fixed tractors, etc.
You will find that once you find one spot your opportunities to gain access to many others will not be far behind. A good reputation goes a long way in a rural community.
Even if you are hunting just the 20, try setting up a stand away from your bait as well. Big bucks will often hang up 75 to 100 yds out. Look for a lightly used trail as opposed from a heavy doe trail. set up on the light trail. Good luck in your quest.

[skipper34]

If you know where the bucks are hanging out relative to your 20 acres, try a drag-line to your stand when the chase phase starts. I have had good luck luring bucks in using this method. Like was mentioned before, if you put bait down in an area that is frequented by bucks, especially the older ones, you might as well put up a neon sign that you are there. The old boys know something aint right when all of a sudden there is a pile of food which doesn't belong. Oh yeah, they'll follow the does to the food, but usually under the cover of darkness. At least that has been my experience from those I know who waste their time baiting.

[jimmyboy]

Forget fruit & vegatables for bait that deer eat at nite and get a timed spin-cast feeder. Set it for only six sec dischg at dawn and prior to sunset.Deer will clean it up in about 20 minutes and move on.

Hunt it for bucks like bumpbottom's post says further back on trails to the feeder.They make small 5 gal feeders for those who hunt public.Take it with you when you leave.

[jc502]

Depends on what type of property you are hunting. If you are hunting state land I would go to the trails and scouting and skip the bait. If you are hunting private property and are limited on stand placement baiting may be a better way to go.

I agree all the way - depends on the land you hunt. I hunt 40 acres of private and thousands of acres of federal land. On smaller, private sections of land, you don't have the freedom to move to the best locations (funnels, bedding areas, feeding areas). You take what you have. Baiting may be the best way to go (or a small food plot). In big woods, where you have the freedom to go where you want, I rarely bait, hunt the acorns, travel corridors, etc....The land you have access to will dictate the best approach.

[SPH]

SPH if you are limited on your land you may try and find other spots as well. I have had pretty good sucess getting permission from several folks. Ask in advance, don't bring your buddies, and Always show your appreciation. I normally show up in the summer. I have rototilled gardens, loaded hay, fixed tractors, etc.
You will find that once you find one spot your opportunities to gain access to many others will not be far behind. A good reputation goes a long way in a rural community.
Even if you are hunting just the 20, try setting up a stand away from your bait as well. Big bucks will often hang up 75 to 100 yds out. Look for a lightly used trail as opposed from a heavy doe trail. set up on the light trail. Good luck in your quest.

I am not speaking for myself just setting up a scenerio. Even if you have 20 spots to hunt, some of these areas require different approaches to attract the deer. You can not always set your stand up to hunt funnels and field edges. If baiting gives you an advantage in a particular place and it is legal then go for it.
And as far as getting to hunt other peoples property, it is not that easy to gain access on private property for deer hunting. All the farmers and locals have realized they can make money from leasing hunting property and you pay a price if you want to hunt. I think you will find that most people have a hard time finding private land to hunt and If you have some to hunt on you guard it with your life.

[Pinefarm]

You can always ask yourself the question, how do all these hunters from all the states where baiting is banned kill deer on just as regular a basis?

[SPH]

Depending on which states your talking about could make a big difference. How much land is in the state vs. hunters. How much public and private land is available per hunter. You can not compare another state to Michigan because there are very few that have the same factors involved

[NorthJeff]

I've shot 1 buck on a food plot, and none on a bait pile...and wouldn't count on either one for consistent success on mature bucks. However, for young deer, yearling bucks...some does, bait piles are hard to beat specifically if you are not in ag land.

[Backwoods-Savage]

How about hunting the runways, or trails as the original poster stated, and placing one or two apples on the trail. Technically I guess you could call that baiting but it will work just about like placing scents. You stop them just long enough for a nice standing shot.

But notice, I said one or 2 apples, not one or two buckets of them.....

[jc502]

You can always ask yourself the question, how do all these hunters from all the states where baiting is banned kill deer on just as regular a basis?

That doesn't make any sense. The logic's faulty. Like SPH said, the scenarios aren't the same. How's this..... "Do the Drury brothers bait? They are successful in their videos. Therefore one doesn't need to bait." If you're like me, you watch their videos (which I do enjoy) and think, man, they oughta do a "reality" video, come out to state land in Gladwin county and see how they fare on the average guys turf. That would be pretty cool actually. Problem is, they wouldn't be shooting 160 class deer in each scene, so it wouldn't sell. That's why I really like the videos the Abbas' put out- really geared toward what the average hunter can do....but I'm digressing...

[Joe Archer]

I combine the two. I usually throw out a half bag or so of shelled corn when I get to my stand, a few yards off of a deer trail. I use the bait, just to get their attention and to get them to stop. My bait isn't used to attract the deer from miles away.

I think you can't go wrong with the quote above. Find a funnel and some nice deer trails and use some bait. If you are between a feeding area and bedding area (but far enough away from the bedding area to not spook the deer), they will hit your bait morning and night. As for seeing big bucks? It is all about the location. If you are in a spot where you would see mature bucks without bait, you will see them eating your bait. When you bait you tend to increase deer activity and the also increase time they spend near your stand. In the long run, there is increased chance of getting busted. I believe that when a mature doe busts you and blows that loud warning, she leaves a scent behind that can warn other deer to stay away for days.
In any case, there are advantages and disadvantages to both hunting with or without bait. I have taken mature bucks either way, and honestly it is pretty much the same to me. No matter how or why the deer gets to within 20 yards there is always the anticipation, the adrenaline, the desire for a perfect shot, and satisfaction when it all come together.
<----<<<

[skipper34]

That doesn't make any sense. The logic's faulty. Like SPH said, the scenarios aren't the same. How's this..... "Do the Drury brothers bait? They are successful in their videos. Therefore one doesn't need to bait." If you're like me, you watch their videos (which I do enjoy) and think, man, they oughta do a "reality" video, come out to state land in Gladwin county and see how they fare on the average guys turf. That would be pretty cool actually. Problem is, they wouldn't be shooting 160 class deer in each scene, so it wouldn't sell. That's why I really like the videos the Abbas' put out- really geared toward what the average hunter can do....but I'm digressing...


This makes perfect sense to me, Pinefarm stated that in states which don't allow baiting, they are still killing deer on a regular basis. And yes, they have state land in states which don't allow baiting. And yes, the state land deer are the same as the private land deer. The Drury boys manage their land for big bucks, that is what they do for a living. They aren't the only ones. Lots of guys here in Michigan do the same thing. Just ask NorthJeff.
The point is, if baiting is the only way you know how to hunt, have at it. But like the video's show, it isn't the only way to hunt.

[bumpbottom]

The Drury boys are on a level playing field where they hunt. In Iowa for example NO baiting is allowed so there is no choice. I can see how some would think it is an unfair advantage (Those that bait vs those that do not). Fact is, even with bait the deer have to travel from point a to point b

[mkelly619]

I don't use bait and have killed plenty of bucks and does hunting the trails. I know that a lot of folks have said that they are not pro or con, but I'll just come right out with it - if you need bait, then use it. I think that a good hunter that can read the woods won't need it. I like the comparison to a trout stream - that hit the nail on the head. I think that bait tends to cause the little ones to come in, while the big deer stay away. I also am a firm believer that bait makes deer more nocturnal. Why move around during the day when you know where you can eat at night - under protection of darkness?

I have a couple of nice bucks on the wall...never scored, but probably 140 calss - neither taken over bait. I'm not sure if I would feel the same happiness looking at the shoulder mounts if I knew that I had shot one while it had a carrot in its mouth. OK, just my opinion and I know that everybody doesn't share it.

[jc502]

The Drury boys are on a level playing field where they hunt...

Level playing field? Not everyone is in a position to own land. Thought I would by now....darn! So... how can I manage public land.....hmmmm....that's a tough one...
Ok, let's go to Illinois or Iowa, hunt a managed property there, to increase my odds....hmmmm.......kid's orthodontist bill cancels that idea....

I am not opposed to them doing what they do, I support it and love watching their videos. But in no way is that level with what the average hunter has at his disposal. How many of the hundreds of thousands of hunters in this state have paid to go on a deer hunt? OR have the ability to QDM on their own property? The way it sounds sometimes, you'd think it was 99%!

Again, I'm not knocking what they do...or what anyone who has those resources available does. More power to you. Hope to be there myself someday. Point is, not everyone can do it. Many guys can't. To imply those that those who can't are doing things inferior to those who can is just wrong.

[skipper34]

jc, you originally quoted Pinefarm and said his quote made no sense. I said that it makes perfect sense..........in the states that don't allow baiting, the hunters are still killing deer, including some very nice bucks. These deer are not all taken on managed private tracts of land. Many of the guys who hunt non-baiting states are like you and me. We have to hunt on state land or on land where we are either a family member or have been invited. The point is, like Pinefarm said, the hunters are killing deer without bait, which means that they resort to tried and true methods whether they hunt managed land or public land. Same as here, I have never hunted over any kind of baitpile and I have taken alot of deer. A couple of good bucks to boot. Does it make any sense now?

[codybear]

I would like to know do you get more luck hunting Deer Trail or bait pile.....

Your better off hunting the deer trail that leads to someone elses bait pile :lol:

[griff32]

jc, you originally quoted Pinefarm and said his quote made no sense. I said that it makes perfect sense..........in the states that don't allow baiting, the hunters are still killing deer, including some very nice bucks. These deer are not all taken on managed private tracts of land. Many of the guys who hunt non-baiting states are like you and me. We have to hunt on state land or on land where we are either a family member or have been invited. The point is, like Pinefarm said, the hunters are killing deer without bait, which means that they resort to tried and true methods whether they hunt managed land or public land. Same as here, I have never hunted over any kind of baitpile and I have taken alot of deer. A couple of good bucks to boot. Does it make any sense now?

I think that the problem comparing a lot of the states to ours is the actual number of hunters we have here in michigan, and the location of the deer within our public land. I think that like you said a lot of them are like us, but I don't think the deer they hunt are as "seasoned" as the ones we hunt here in Michigan. I believe like others if you only have a small parcel of land to hunt, on a limited budget, baiting is a way to bring the deer to you. Does it make us less of a hunter, maybe, but not because we don't want to be able to hunt well managed land, but because the managed land is not within our hunting budget, and or time. I don't hunt over bait because I don't have to, but if I were put in a position that some of my fellow hunters were in I would do it, because I enjoy hunting.

[jc502]

What I was saying made no sense was comparing MI to other states for the purposes of choosing trail hunting over baiting. It's an apples to oranges kind of thing.

I agree with the previous post, and appreciate this comment.....

I don't hunt over bait because I don't have to, but if I were put in a position that some of my fellow hunters were in I would do it, because I enjoy hunting.

[Thunderhead]

Level playing field? Not everyone is in a position to own land. But in no way is that level with what the average hunter has at his disposal.

Point is, not everyone can do it. Many guys can't. To imply those that those who can't are doing things inferior to those who can is just wrong.

LOL Not true. I am not trying to be a smarty here, but only trying to impress that that attitude is defeating. You've lost the game before it's even started. If a guy thinks that he's not going to kill a good buck, he never will.

I'm going to be frank here and I'm also talking about serious deer hunters that complain about their hunting experience every year:

Yes, there are inferior hunters. Tons of'em.
Inferior because they don't put in the time, or what is required to kill a Trophy animal. I'm talking about the guy that complains every year that he's not seeing quality animals and it's everything or everybodys fault other than their own.
Some are just lazy and want things the easy way. Others shy away from the work involved.
Are these guys inferior to me as a hunter ? LOL Yes, they are.
I have nothing over the average guy. I don't own land. I share the land I do hunt with a ton of other guys. My parcel is relatively small as well. So I'm no different than anybody else.
I also beat on countless doors till I got land to hunt, and will continue to do so.

BEFORE I'M SLAMMED - Hey, some guys haven't got the time, with job and family etc.....I can understand that, but don't tell me that it can't be done, you just have to hunt smarter. You have to want it. Don't complain about what you don't have, make the best out of what you DO have.

Doing things inferior.

Think about that statement and how a guy can change that.

It took me years to gain the knowledge I hunt with now, and I learn more every year. Am I superior to alot of hunters ? You bet I am. Why ? Because I know more. I've earned it. Guys might find that " irratating, rude or bragging " so be it. It's the truth, but, it's nothing that the " average hunter " can't attain for themselves.

By superior, I'm talking hard earned knowledge and applying that knowledge.
I've beat the brush, blew shots, screwed up set-ups and probably made evey mistake in the book at one time or another, I've also literally cried in frustration at times.

I've also reveled in pure happiness when everything finally came together, wether I killed that buck or not.

I'm about as average as a hunter can get. Yes, I hunt private land. Land shared by at least 14 other guys and I shoot bucks every year that make the books. Bucks that they never see. Bigger bucks then they will probably ever see.
Bucks that are just as available to them as they are to me, and I do it consistantly. ( seriously knocking on wood here ) :)

Am I talkin smack ? Look in my gallery.
Am I bragging ? No, not at all. I'm proving that if I can do it, anybody can.
All it takes is dedication and sacrifice. Putting in the time and putting hunting first to get the results that are wanted.

The difference ?
I hunt old school.
I put my time in.
Days turn into months, countless hours ..........for that one 5 second window.

I know my animal intimatly.
I know his habits and weaknesses. Especially his weaknesses.
I know every bedding area, feeding area, watering hole, escape route and breeding area.
I also know about " super bucks " and how they think. Which by the way is totally different than your average buck. Super bucks exist all over this state. You have heard or read in the local paper about that kid that wacked a monster off Joe Blows farm. A buck that the locals didn't even know existed untill he was shot. As I said, usually by a kid, or first time hunter, there's a reason for that and it happens alot.
I know how to very effectively talk to deer and call in a buck or doe.
Imitating a wounded fawn put last years record book buck on the wall by bring the does to me, the buck I killed as well as 4 others, including a 125 class 10pt. 19 deer in all, within 20 feet.............from over 300+ yards.
I've also found what I call the boneyard. A place where hit and wounded deer go to die. Found it by accident a number of years ago tracking a wounded buck. Didn't quite know what I was looking at with all the bones, rib cages and horned skulls. Wow. Now that's the first place I look for a lost deer. Just one more thing in my bag of tricks.

The point is, and what I'm tring to say is this..........every area that holds deer, and I have yet to see a patch of woods that didn't hold a track has it secerets.

Learn those secrets and the game is on.

You have to get off that chair and out of that blind and hunt. Learn. Listen.
Live the woods. Become your quarry. Obsess, dream, live, eat and breath hunting that buck.

That's what it takes to be consistantly successful and takes you to the next level. Sitting on a pile day in and day out will get you deer, maybe even a brusier,

BUT

To level the playing field, you need to make things happen, not just sit and hope for the best. OR worse yet, dooming yourself and your chances by feeling inferior due to your hunting ground, or your experience because there are things in your power to improve both without ever leaving your current spot.

Again, please don't think that I believe that I'm Gods gift to hunting, that's not what I'm trying to get across. What I am to say is that is it in each mans power to improve his hunting experience by improving his hunting skills, no matter where he hunts.

[jc502]

Thunderhead-Great post! I agree with everything you've said...and have approached it the way you describe...for brevity, I won't list it all, you'll have to take my word....I'm as obsessed and nuts about it as most...and devote every bit of available time to this passion....

I didn't intend to sound like I'm making excuses, that shortcuts are the answer. That there aren't ways around these problems. I think your response should be an encouragement for those who are frustrated with how their hunting is going. I'm not. I'm very happy with the fruit of my hunting efforts. But I am frustrated with those who only shoot mature bucks, practice QDM, plant food plots, refuse to hunt near bait, etc..etc...etc...when they imply that those who don't are somehow hunting in an inferior manner.

Personally, I think anyone who hunts with a modern muzzeloader (as opposed to primative) is taking shortcuts, isn't taking the time necessary to know and master the primative weapon. But I won't say they are any less a hunter than me for taking these shortcuts.

There's the ideal, and then there is reality. I'm just saying, give a guy a break if he can't pull off the ideal.

[mudslinger]

find an area where 3-4 trails meet and start there or if you choose to bait try and set up between your bait and the area you expect the deer to come. the property I have permission to hunt is baited by the landowner for rifle season I set up on trails that lead to his area about 100-150 yards away he is fine with it I keep any unwanted people out

[PAbuck]

I grew up in PA and could not bait by law. Thus, we learned how to hunt without it. It made us have to learn, to know, where the deer are and why(my brother always made me answer why did we see those deer here). If someone grew up with a mentor that taught baiting techniques as the only way to hunt- they do not develop the woodsmanship that they would if they learned the woods deeply.

I have taught one guy to hunt, and I taught him as my brothers taught me or tried anyway. I do not know everything- I wish more information could be passed from other memebers of this site first hand. But I know that we hunt with guys that consistently do the same things- bait and hunt the same areas. They see some deer and shoot some bucks. But myself and my friend consistently see more deer and more bucks. If they hunt my stands- they rarely see anything. I believe it is attention to detail- moving slowly in and out and while on stand, staying as scent free as possible, calling effectively, being quiet..... Do I need to work on more things, gain more knowledge of the land and from others- absolutely and I will. But I believe that confidence in your hunting methods breeds success. With no bait in front of them- they lose interest and think there is no bait I will not see any deer..... Who knows maybe I am wrong and my buddy and I are just luckier than the others. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good- my brother was the first one to tell me that too.:lol:

[StumpJumper]

I hunt trails, I have a corn field on one side and white oaks all over around my stand. I have 3 heavily used trails intersecting into one main going out to the field 20 yds from my stand, plus the boys paths all around too.

Could someone please explain to me though,

How is baiting any worse than laying out a scent trail of estrous for a horny old buck to follow in?

The way I see it, if you cant bait untill oct 1 then the doe in heat is going to be more productive to a bait pile that hasn't been there for more than a week.

To each his own as long it's within legal limits. But I don't think you should be degrading someone who puts out a few apples when you're stopping at wally world for a bottle of tinks. :tsk:

[beararch#1]

Baiting works really well in mid december. Other than that, no need to waste your time.... Just hunt around some oak trees.

[mich buckmaster]

What if you are only hunting a 20acre parcel and you know the deer are walking 100 yards away from where you are able to set a stand. Do you just accept the fact that you can't get good stand placement or do you bait them in?

No right or wrong answer but you guys talk like we all have unlimited access to bedding areas and funnels and that is not the case. Private property and bounderies limit alot of hunters in Michigan.

I say go hunt state land, or get out and keep asking. Another route is to lease land.

As for the bait issue, nope I dont need to bait.

[mich buckmaster]

Hey Thunderhead!!! Nice post, I agree 100%

[spikecamp]

baiting should be banned period!!! Why do you think the deer go nocturnal? bait piles. Whatever happen to scouting for deer? Find there food sources and the trails the deer are using to them. Maybe the only places to use bait the upper p you can go days without seeing any day and hunters.

[deputy]

if its a legal means of taking game and your doing it legal then by all means do as you want!

i have used bait i have not used bait i have used food plots and not used food plots i have used bow (compound, stick and string and crossbow) i have used (shotgun rifle and smokepole and inlines) i have used handguns too.......... the pointis as long as its a legal means of hunting then do as you pleas and stop worrying about what everybody else thinks. just hunt and stay legal..............................

[eddiejohn4]

Deputy, absolutly. Killing is killing period. I hate to see hunters engage in debates on how everyone else should take their meat. As stated before hunting in itself uses some form of baiting just in the nature of hunting. the trails we choose are travel routes to and from bedding and feeding, scents. the escape trails watched. etc etc etc. We should all be happy that we have a chance to participate in nature and as long as you hunt ethically and legal whats the problem?

[beararch#1]

baiting should be banned period!!! Why do you think the deer go nocturnal? bait piles. Whatever happen to scouting for deer? Find there food sources and the trails the deer are using to them. Maybe the only places to use bait the upper p you can go days without seeing any day and hunters.

Dude what is the difference between a bait pile and a natural food source? Thats a pretty ignorant statement anyways dude that bait piles are why deer "go nocturnal". Whatever. People kill plenty of deer over bait every year, and amazingly, it happens when it is light outside.

[skipper34]

I personal don't care if someone uses bait or not, but the thing that gripes me about the baiting issue is all of the controversy within our own ranks. The anti's love it when we argue among ourselves. Not to mention the TB and CWD discussions. All I know is I will never tell another hunter that they should not bait, but at the same time, don't ever tell me that I should.

[bucketmouthhauler]

I don't honestly think that I could ever bait because It is a waste of time, and money. Why would I want to drop a bait pile where I know there are deer and make them come eat at night and avoid the area alltogether during the day? It makes no sense. I would love for somone to show me a boon and crocket buck shot on stateland over bait? I bet noone can offer such a picture. However I have such a buck on my wall. which was shot by learning everything there is to know about this deer and then finally taking action on 11/6/ I had to get as far away from peoples bait piles as I could, and figure out his route around the numerous piles. What will it take for people to learn that if you want to shoot 12pts you wont ever do it over bait piles(yes if you are really lucky you will find a rut crazed 6pt during gun season 80yds out). I have heard it a million times lets bait in the does, the bucks will follow. Well I know someone w/ private property near west branch where they have baited the same spots for years. They shot the last buck in 05. The one before that was 1986. but yet I hunted there for 5 years and shot 6 bucks out of there over trails and mock scrapes. I guess I would love to bait deer, Its just that 1.5 and 2.5 year old 4&6 points aren't what I am looking for.

[eddiejohn4]

The one thing learned in the many years that I have been hunting deer is that you can never say never about the behavior of deer.

I have still hunted the swamps of michigan, I have hunted the standing corn. the vast wood lands of the up and have taken deer in all sorts of ways and locations. I think some miss the point, you should hunt the way you want to and you should hunt for the buck that you want , but hunting is a private thing between you and nature it is in our very soul. and I do not tell anyone how they should hunt or that the size of the horns is what hunting is all about

Hunting is just what you make it no more no less. If you do not think that you are looking for advantages while hunting a big buck then I will state that you are mistaken. Because everyone that hunts is looking to better an animal that makes his or her living out of doors, on their playing ground.

I am glad that you enjoy the skill of hunting for the big one, but again how another kills his meat is his buisness as long as it is humane and legal.

[fasthunter]

I like to use a little bait in the early season to help set me up for a cleaner shot.(It's VERY THICK WHERE I LIKE TO HUNT!!!!) 20 yards is a far shot. I have a spot this year close to a bedding area(Not in it though.) It's good because the deer are always moving there and there are several trails, but getting the shot where I can take it early is difficult. During the rut I hunt close to the same spot.(About 70 yards from there.) I don't use bait then. The doe's are always getting chased in a funnel there. I don't use bait during gun season either. By then the deer really shy from it and I have better luck trying to hunt little pockets most hunters over look. (Opening day of gun season I like the escape routes though.) Some of those pockets aren't very big either, but for some reason there are some spots most hunters shy from because it's really difficult to hunt or over look. I think bait is good if you use it right. (I use it sometimes.) Don't rely on it though. Just my opinion though. Good luck hunting and enjoy the best thing.....nature.:D :D :D (I love that part.) Take care.;)

[Thunderhead]

The guy wanted to know who has better luck doing what and why, not our opinion on the ethics of baiting.

[eddiejohn4]

Yea I know but as most posts look where it has gone. :)Thunderhead as your own post number 9 decribes what you prefer.

[Whit1]

Time to shut this one down. It's gone off topic and into the never ending baiting debate.