Due to growing concerns within the scientific community about increases in transmissible diseases among wildlife, staff and commissioners with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have taken the first steps in what will be a multi-year exploration of issues surrounding baiting wildlife – a leading cause of the unnatural congregation of wildlife and subsequent spreading of diseases.
The department defines baiting wildlife as “the act of intentionally placing food, or nutrient substances, to manipulate the behavior of wildlife species;” this is not to be confused with agricultural food plots or backyard bird feeders. The history of baiting in the midwest; increased risks of disease transmission; nutrition and toxins associated with baiting and supplemental feeding; and animal behavior, among other concerns.
Several town hall-style public meetings set to take place in the coming months, during which time KDWP staff and commissioners will solicit input from the broader public, including hunters, landowners, members of industry and more. Baiting wildlife remains a legal activity on all private lands in Kansas, which comprise nearly 98 percent of lands in the sunflower state.
