The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission approved new regulations for deer baiting at its December meeting, held in Chattanooga Friday.

The commission approved the Deer Bait Privilege License, which will allow for baiting using corn, wheat and grains beginning in the 2026-2027 hunting season. Bait must be scattered, and processed foods are not allowed.

Baiting will be prohibited in the CWD Management Zone, which includes many of the state's western counties. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurological disease impacting deer.

"I think our ultimate goal here is to slow the spread," said Monte Belew, a member of the commission. "We're not going to steer or completely change the direction of mother nature. We're not going to do it, no matter what we do. But limiting and prohibit

See Full Page