In Maryland, baiting—using food, scent, or other attractants to lure wildlife for hunting—is illegal, and the 2026 amendment to the Maryland Game and Wildlife Code tightened those prohibitions by extending the ban to all private lands and adding mandatory reporting requirements.
Legal status before 2026
Maryland’s Game and Wildlife Code § 4‑101 has long prohibited baiting for deer, turkey, and other big game on public property. Violations were classified as misdemeanors with fines up to $500. The law, however, contained a narrow exception for licensed traplines and limited agricultural feed on farmland, creating a gray area for many hunters.
The 2026 amendment
Effective January 1 2026, House Bill 1234 repealed the agricultural feed exception and expanded the definition of “bait” to include any artificial lure, grain, or scent device placed within a 1‑mile radius of a hunting area. The amendment also requires anyone who observes baiting to submit a written report to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within 48 hours. Failure to report now carries an additional $250 penalty.
Penalties and enforcement
Post‑2026, first‑time offenders face a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail, while repeat violations can result in a Class A misdemeanor, loss of hunting privileges for two years, and forfeiture of equipment used in the baiting. The DNR’s Wildlife Enforcement Division has increased patrols in high‑traffic hunting zones and uses drone surveillance to detect illicit bait stations.
Practical implications for hunters and landowners
- Hunters must verify that any feeding site is approved by the landowner and conforms to the updated definition of legal activity.
- Landowners should post clear “No Baiting” signage and maintain records of any wildlife management practices to demonstrate compliance.
- Conservation groups argue the stricter rule improves habitat integrity and reduces disease transmission among wildlife populations.
Can I use corn or grain to attract deer on my own property?
No. The 2026 amendment expressly bans the placement of grain, corn, or any food source intended to attract deer on private land, regardless of ownership.
What distinguishes baiting from legal wildlife observation?
Legal observation involves passive sighting without the use of attractants. Baiting requires the deliberate placement of a lure or feed to draw animals within shooting range.
Does the new law affect fishing bait?
No. The amendment applies only to terrestrial game; it does not alter regulations governing fishing bait or aquatic species.
How do I report suspected baiting?
Submit a written report to the Maryland DNR Wildlife Enforcement Division via email or the online portal, including location, time, and any photographic evidence, within 48 hours of observation.
Will a prior conviction for baiting affect my hunting license renewal?
Yes. Any baiting conviction recorded after 2026 will trigger a review of your hunting privileges, and a violation can lead to suspension or revocation of your license for up to two years.