Texas Statewide Rule
Texas Allows Deer Baiting on Private Land Statewide
Key Facts
- Baiting deer on private land
- Legal statewide
- Public property
- Baiting unlawful
- Migratory birds, East Zone turkey
- Baiting prohibited
- CWD zones
- Feeding and baiting suspended
- Penalty
- $25 to $500 (Class C)
Summary
Texas lets hunters bait and feed game animals, including deer, on private property statewide. Baiting is unlawful on most public land, for wild turkey in the East Zone, and for all migratory game birds, and is barred inside CWD zones.
It is legal to: … bait for game animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds, except for wild turkey in the East Zone and migratory game birds. (Baiting is unlawful on most public property. Please check specific regulations for that public property.)
Full Breakdown
Under the statewide hunting regulation TPWD enforces, it is legal to bait for game animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds on private land, so feeders, corn, and mineral licks are all fair game for whitetail. Bait means anything that lures wildlife: salt, grain, minerals, or feed. The permission stops at public property, where baiting is unlawful, and never covers wild turkey in the East Zone or migratory game birds. A bird taken where its flight path was altered by a baited area is an illegal kill. Feeding and baiting are also suspended inside Chronic Wasting Disease zones.
Violations & Penalties
Hunting migratory game birds or East Zone turkey over bait, or baiting on public hunting land, is a Class C Parks and Wildlife misdemeanor; fines run $25 to $500 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a deer feeder on my Texas property?
Is it legal to hunt turkey or ducks over bait in Texas?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.