IT IS ILLEGAL TO USE BAIT TO HUNT DEER IN PENNSYLVANIA, BUT STATE LAWMAKERS CONTINUE TO TRY AND TACKLE A GROWING DEER POPULATION. THEY ARE CONSIDERING A REMOVAL OF THAT BAN, AT LEAST SOMEWHAT. DAUPHIN COUNTY STATE REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS MAHAFFEY SAYS STATEWIDE DEER BAITING SHOULD REMAIN OFF THE TABLE, BUT ARGUES IT COULD BE ALLOWED IN SPECIAL CASES. HIS PROPOSAL WOULD LET THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION DECIDE, DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO PERMIT BAITING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY IN DESIGNATED AREAS, MAINLY FOR TARGETED DEER REMOVAL. HE SAYS THE EXCEPTIONS COULD HELP ADDRESS ISSUES LIKE DISEASE SPREAD, HABITAT DAMAGE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE, INCLUDING THROUGH DISABLED HUNTING PERMITS, WHILE STILL PROTECTING DEER POPULATION MANAGEMENT AND DEER BAITING IS
Pa. considers easing deer baiting ban for targeted removal
Updated: 7:22 PM EDT Apr 23, 2026
Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a proposal to partially lift the state’s ban on deer baiting to address the growing deer population.Dauphin County State Rep. Thomas Mehaffie said statewide deer baiting should remain prohibited but suggested it could be allowed in special cases. His proposal would allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to decide whether to permit baiting on private property in designated areas, primarily for targeted deer removal. Mehaffie said the exceptions could help address issues such as disease spread, habitat damage, and property damage, including through disabled hunting permits, while still protecting deer population management. Deer baiting is illegal in many states due to disease risks, particularly the spread of chronic wasting disease.
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a proposal to partially lift the state’s ban on deer baiting to address the growing deer population.
Dauphin County State Rep. Thomas Mehaffie said statewide deer baiting should remain prohibited but suggested it could be allowed in special cases.
His proposal would allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to decide whether to permit baiting on private property in designated areas, primarily for targeted deer removal.
Mehaffie said the exceptions could help address issues such as disease spread, habitat damage, and property damage, including through disabled hunting permits, while still protecting deer population management.
Deer baiting is illegal in many states due to disease risks, particularly the spread of chronic wasting disease.