Image: mo_deer_feed

Anyone caught feeding deer in Missouri’s CWD management zones could face fines. (Photo by Doug McLean)

Missouri landowners and hunters can now be fined for feeding deer in counties under a chronic wasting disease (CWD) management zone.

According to ky3.com, hunters and landowners in 73% of Missouri’s counties are under a CWD management zone. Prohibiting landowners and hunters from feeding deer is one of several regulations the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has set to combat CWD.

Jason Isabelle, MDC’s Deer Cervid Program Leader, said there are exceptions to this rule, but the majority of landowners should not provide the deer on their property with mineral or feed.

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“That’s because putting feed and mineral for deer artificially congregates them. It puts them into closer proximity with each other and increases the risk of transmitting Chronic Wasting Disease, should it be present in the deer herd in those areas,” Isabelle said.

Those caught feeding deer could receive a fine, with some tickets costing around $250. The rule is in contrast with some neighboring states, such as Kentucky and Tennessee, which have recently relaxed their feeding and baiting regulations, including in some CWD surveillance zones, in an effort to encourage higher deer harvests.

Hunters and landowners can stay up to date on regulations by checking the MDC’s website regularly.