Deer baiting has reached new levels in Minnesota this fall, according to state officials.

Their reports to news media were peppered with references to baiting during Minnesota’s firearms deer season, which opened Nov. 5 and will continue through today.

Ken Soring, regional enforcement supervisor in Grand Rapids, described baiting as “fairly widespread.”

Last year, state conservation officers charged 51 hunters with deer baiting and issued warnings to 15 more. Baiting deer is illegal in Minnesota.

Hunters typically pour some whole or cracked corn on the ground, or use oats, pumpkins or a commercially prepared feed mix.

“We’re finding them. We’re charging them,” Soring said. “Deer are confiscated, and there’s a restitution charge of $500.”

But some hunters are willing to risk those consequences, believing they won’t be caught.

Current law prohibits placing bait for the purpose of taking deer. Bait is defined as grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay or other food transported and placed for the purpose of attracting or enticing deer.