HB21 Summary

• Allows hunters to take whitetail deer or feral swine using bait on privately owned or leased land if they purchase a bait privilege license from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

• Establishes bait privilege license fees of $14 annually for residents (plus $1 issuance fee) and $50 annually for nonresidents, with fees subject to adjustment under Section 9-11-68.

• Requires hunters exempt from purchasing a hunting license to still purchase a bait privilege license to use bait for hunting whitetail deer or feral swine.

• Permits bait use only on privately owned or leased lands; general prohibition on baiting remains in effect for other protected birds and animals, except for naturally scattered grain from agricultural harvesting.

• Authorizes the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to adopt rules implementing the new baiting provisions.