CLIO -- Listen up hunters. The state is considering overturning the ban on baiting and feeding in the Lower Peninsula.
Some say it will be good for the economy, while others argue it’s unethical.
“I'm standing there thinking, what a waste of time, and then I hear something behind me, and all I see are these horns,” said Denny Crispell who is a deer hunter.
Denny Crispell's hunted deer since 1968 and never once used bait.
“That's not hunting to me. It’s there's a deer, identifying what it is, do you want to take that one or not. That’s hunting. Not just shooting whatever comes along and running over and putting a tag on it,” said Crispell.
Right now, baiting and feeding in the Lower Peninsula is illegal.
The ban began in 2008 after a deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease at a private facility in Kent County.
CWD is similar to “mad cow disease” and spreads through deer urine and saliva.
“If CWD gets into the wild, free-ranging deer herd, within 20 years we will all talk about how great deer hunting used to be in Michigan because the herd will be decimated,” said Daniel Lee, a Conservation Officer with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Since 2008 no new cases have been found.
Now, the Natural Resource Commission is considering lifting the ban for all weapons this June.
The Conlee Travel Center in Birch Run says they're all for lifting that ban on baiting because it could mean bigger business for them.
“We run a five bag deal on the bait. If you can get them in the station, you can get them to buy pop, snacks, cigarettes, beer, and gas,” said Lisa Ross, the Assistant Manager of Conlee Travel Center.
Last fall NBC25 talked to some hunters who bought bait at Conlee’s. While it’s legal in the U.P, getting caught downstate means up to 90 days in jail, thousands in fines, and losing your hunting license for three years.
“Some people think its just bait, but its also a illegal method, just like using a silencer or a spotlight.
While Crispell prefers to track deer, he says baiting will let people who can't be able to hunt once again.
If you'd like to share your opinion on the issue the first public hearing is March 10 at Lansing Community College.
Sign up by contacting the Natural Resource Commission.
Do you think the state should overturn the ban on baiting and feeding?
