Ethics Question

[Vince]

After you read my 2013 Coues Hunt Thread I think you will better understand this question.

The State of Arizona doesn't allow baiting but does allow one to put out salt and it is a common tactic of bowhunters after coues deer. I'm considering doing it for rifle hunting given that it's legal but I will say I've never envisioned that style of hunting and I'm afraid doing so would cheapen, or lessen, the coues hunting experience for me.

What say you?

 

[Guest]

Vince, I grew up in Florida, where it's legal to put out corn piles and other baits. I don't personally find the practice all that effective, but that's likely due to the overall low population density of the deer in the area where I was raised. I feel about the same way as you regarding baiting or other such pursuits. It makes me feel like I did not hunt right. I'm even to the point now where I don't feel as good about a hunt on someone else's property, where maybe we all come out, socialize for 10-15min, then go to various stands on the property, then all meet up back at the barn after the hunt, than I do hunting the woods on my own lease, where I've had to learn the deer herds and the patterns of both the land and the animals. I think that's what really lures me to hunt out west - the challenge of getting in, finding the game, and connecting with it, on its terms, not my own. I've even started hunting a lot in "stalk" mode on my lease here in northern Alabama, when I happen to be up there with no other hunters, or just one or two others and we all are in separate sections of the lease. I like the challenge of outwitting the deer. I think that's what you're saying, too.

I will say that I saw precious few deer over the corn piles in Florida. It's just not as easy as "set it up and they come" in real life. When you have high deer density, you can set up a feeder or bait station and impact behavior, but with low numbers of deer, the deer are used to roaming further for forage, and won't be around frequently enough to learn your feeder's patterns. What you mainly end up with is a whole lot of well trained raccoons.

 

[tim629]

I understand why some places/species baiting is legal and that it isn't a guaranteed thing

I don't think i'd be opposed to a salt lick as much though, i'm not as sure if it would draw in a deer on a regular schedule like a game feeder set on a timer does and salt I would think would just hold them still for a few min

 

[Guest]

Don't get me wrong - I don't have an issue with bait/minerals/etc. as long as it's within the bounds of the law. I just have never found it to be a good substitute for getting to know the herd and figuring out when they'll be where, or at least when they're likely to be somewhere, and taking them that way. I have no problem with other people doing it, if they so choose, as long as it's legal. I just don't do it.

 

[wayno945]

I wouldn't bother Vince. You would probably find someone else sitting next to your salt pile after you made the time and effort to haul it in. I might do it to get some trail cam pics but hunting over it wouldn't seem like a viable option. Our deer density is way too low, better off putting the miles on your boots.

 

[Vince]

Thanks Wayne and good luck on your coues hunt.
Give me a call if you want another pair of eyes.

 

[Kodiak]

In recent years, we have noticed an explosion in wild turkey populations on our farm. So when we clean-out corn and bean silos, we use a spreader behind the JD to scatter it. Deer also feed there, sometimes. The local Ag. suppliers also offer mineral-blocks that contain something the deer like, as I've seen them around these blocks, although the blocks are designed for livestock animals. And we hunt near them , sometimes !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GeorgeS]

Ethics are a personal statement. Ethics are what you 'do' when no one is watching.

Is it legal? Yes. Is it ethical? That is entirely up to you.

I wouldn't have a problem with it.

George

 

[Vince]

Thanks Guys.

Just something I was mulling. Sometimes I find asking a questions, and listening to the answers, helps to solidify my resolve. Not because I'm following the herd and will do what the respondents say but as sort of an internal gauge.

I have to arrive at an answer that is compatible to me. I had that answer prior to asking the question and the responses here haven't changed the answer I have for myself. It's just nice to see where others are on the same topic sometimes. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond.

Vince

 

[GeorgeS]

George