How to Hunt Big Bucks Over Bait

I shot my biggest buck ever this season: a Kentucky main-frame 12-pointer that scored 168 6/8 inches. I bagged it over a bait pile of ear and persimmon-flavored shelled corn. I even added a protein block and scent for good measure.

Whitetail hunting over bait remains controversial in many areas. It is illegal in some states and frowned upon by some hunters even where it is legal.

The National Deer Association (NDA) published an article on how baiting deer can spread disease. Concentrating deer and other animals with bait can alter their behavior, degrade the surrounding habitat, increase predation, and enhance disease transmission.

The NDA opposes expanding baiting where it is not currently legal, except in the presence of known diseases. However, they support baiting by wildlife professionals for scientific research and continued research into its effects on deer management programs.

Baiting is legal and popular in many Southern states. There was an uproar when Kansas considered banning deer baiting. Hunting deer in Texas often involves hunting over a feeder. However, many people still don’t understand how big bucks relate to bait piles.

I often hear two comments in the baiting debate: “Baiting makes it easy to kill big bucks” and “Baiting won’t attract mature bucks.” Both statements are false. Baiting is just another tool, not a cheat code.

I know this from my experience baiting Kentucky whitetails. It took time before I started seeing success with mature deer. Here is how to bait deer and, specifically, how to attract a monster buck. I also offer some considerations for those hesitant about legal baiting.

How to Bait Deer, by Season

Baiting an Early Season Buck

The early season is perfect for baiting a monster buck. Hunting pressure is low, there’s ample cover, and deer follow predictable bed-to-feed movements. Place bait between their bedding and food source.

Baiting a Pre-Rut Buck

The pre-rut is another great time to bait a monster buck. Bucks are more active but not fully in rut. Capitalize on their rising testosterone levels and set up bait stations along travel routes between bedding and food.

Baiting a Rutting Buck

Rutting bucks are more focused on scent-checking does than hitting bait piles. However, placing bait on the downwind side of doe bedding areas or between two doe bedding areas can still be effective.

Baiting a Late-Season Buck

During the late season, focus on food sources near late-season bedding areas. Woody browse, solar bedding, and remaining acorns are attractive. Place bait piles close to bedding areas for a chance at intercepting bucks during daylight.

Tips on How to Bait Deer

There are tactics that apply to all baiting scenarios:

• Know the Law: Familiarize yourself with baiting regulations and adhere to them.
• Choose the Right Bait: Different areas have different preferences. Find what works best in your region.
• Start Small: Test several bait sites and limit them based on results.
• Consider Access: Ensure you can reach bait sites without your scent spooking deer. Choose locations where bucks are likely to travel.
• Pinpoint Bedding Areas: Know where deer bed to strategically place bait.
• Find the Sweet Spot: Position bait to keep deer moving predictably and undisturbed.
• Mind the Wind: Place bait to avoid wind carrying your scent to deer.
• Hunt Smart: Be strategic in your hunting approach, targeting transition routes instead of bait sites directly.
• Create Wind Blockers: Use terrain features to prevent deer from circling downwind.
• Avoid Overkill: Limit the number of bait stations to maintain their effectiveness.
• Keep Bait Sites Fresh: Regularly refresh bait to keep deer coming back.
• Centralize Bait Stations: Place bait sites in the middle of your property, if possible.
• Deploy Stealthily: Minimize your scent when setting up bait sites.
• Spread It Out: Distribute bait instead of piling it up, mimicking a small food plot.
• Use Cell Cams: Avoid disturbing bait sites by using remote trail cameras.
• Respect Bait Sites: Treat them as sanctuaries and avoid unnecessary disturbance.
• Hunt Transition Routes: Deer spend time around baited areas during early morning and late evening. Focus on routes between bedding and bait.
• Avoid Mistakes: If you make a blunder, a mature buck is unlikely to return to the bait site.

The Ethics of Deer Hunting With Bait

Some consider hunting over bait unethical, but it depends on the situation. If baiting is legal, the wildlife management has deemed it acceptable for that area. Baiting is not a guaranteed success and requires skill and planning.

Deer learn to approach bait cautiously and avoid it during daylight if they sense danger. The notion that bucks become completely nocturnal due to baiting is a myth. If a buck avoids bait during daylight, it’s likely due to disruption or changing patterns.

Hunting over bait is still hunting, and success is not guaranteed. But with the right strategy, it can lead to the biggest whitetail of your life, as it did for me this season.