Post by george0493 on Nov 16, 2008 18:21:22 GMT -5
First off, thanks for providing all of us with the ability to ask questions directly to State of Indiana Conservation Officers. I think this is an extremely valuable asset.
Here's my question:
I have a couple of electric feeders on my property that are run from late winter (February) until around early September dispensing corn. After reading some of the answers to the "baiting" posts on this site it created more questions than answers for me. I have always felt I was doing it by the book, but this gave me pause because the more I read it seems to be a very "gray" area and subject to inconsistent interpretation.
In early September (well before hunting season) I completely disable the feeders by removing the batteries for both the clock and the motor, rendering the feeders inoperable and incapable of dispensing feed since the only way the electric feeder will work is with the motor running. A good analogy would be removing the firing pin from a gun or putting on a trigger lock, either way they can't work.
The reason I leave them up is that the feeders are fairly permanent since I have them completely tied down with straps and anchors and would hate to have to tear them down and set-up again twice a year. I was wanting your opinions as to whether this would be considered sufficient? As I have read in previous threads, it is often the CO discretion, but I am interested in learning what you would do in this circumstance. I would think an "inoperable" feeder for a couple of months prior to the season is certainly akin to having no feeder at all, which would lend me to believe it would be ok for them to remain in this state during the season, given the steps I have taken as described above.
Now, my big concern is that even if one single kernel is found buried in the grass because the raccoons, squirrels, deer, or turkey just happened to miss one, you could possibly be accused of baiting during the season. Is this a valid concern? Is there a threshold? Obviously, if there is a pile of corn or even a handful, that is one thing, and it's a no-brainer that someone is cheating, but if there is one or two stray corn kernels from 7-8 months of running is that really "baiting"?
I certainly look forward to your opinions. Once again, thanks for the opportunity to ask the questions direct.
Here's my question:
I have a couple of electric feeders on my property that are run from late winter (February) until around early September dispensing corn. After reading some of the answers to the "baiting" posts on this site it created more questions than answers for me. I have always felt I was doing it by the book, but this gave me pause because the more I read it seems to be a very "gray" area and subject to inconsistent interpretation.
In early September (well before hunting season) I completely disable the feeders by removing the batteries for both the clock and the motor, rendering the feeders inoperable and incapable of dispensing feed since the only way the electric feeder will work is with the motor running. A good analogy would be removing the firing pin from a gun or putting on a trigger lock, either way they can't work.
The reason I leave them up is that the feeders are fairly permanent since I have them completely tied down with straps and anchors and would hate to have to tear them down and set-up again twice a year. I was wanting your opinions as to whether this would be considered sufficient? As I have read in previous threads, it is often the CO discretion, but I am interested in learning what you would do in this circumstance. I would think an "inoperable" feeder for a couple of months prior to the season is certainly akin to having no feeder at all, which would lend me to believe it would be ok for them to remain in this state during the season, given the steps I have taken as described above.
Now, my big concern is that even if one single kernel is found buried in the grass because the raccoons, squirrels, deer, or turkey just happened to miss one, you could possibly be accused of baiting during the season. Is this a valid concern? Is there a threshold? Obviously, if there is a pile of corn or even a handful, that is one thing, and it's a no-brainer that someone is cheating, but if there is one or two stray corn kernels from 7-8 months of running is that really "baiting"?
I certainly look forward to your opinions. Once again, thanks for the opportunity to ask the questions direct.
however, they are taking opportunities away from us as legal hunters and worse yet, sometimes first opportunities from our youth hunters. They should be a priority for everyone.