Question: I have a question regarding the "baiting" of big game. In the Mammal Hunting Regulations booklet on page 12 it says:

257.5. Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds and Mammals by the Aid of Bait. Except as otherwise provided in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, resident game birds and mammals may not be taken within 400 yards of any baited area.

(a) Definition of Baited Area. As used in this regulation, "baited area" shall mean any area where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed whatsoever capable of luring, attracting, or enticing such birds or mammals is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, and such area shall remain a baited area for ten days following complete removal of all such corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed.

Does this also prohibit aerosol attractants? An aerosol is not considered feed but it is "capable of luring, attracting or enticing." In the regulations it does not specifically prohibit non-feed attractants.

Answer: This section (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 257.5) prohibits the use of any feed (real or artificial) that is capable of attracting an animal to an area, and when the attractant used causes the animal to feed (on the substance), it is prohibited. Generally, aerosols sprayed into the air are permissible because there is nothing to feed on. But the same products applied to a surface (e.g. tree, brush, rock, etc.) where the animal licks, eats, chews, nibbles, etc. the surface is considered feed and is a violation.

Intentional acts that disrupt any birds' or mammals' normal behavior patterns (CCR Title 14, Section 251.1) and feeding big game mammals (CCR Title 14, Section 251.3) are also prohibited.

For the complete regulations, please go to www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations to find the California Mammal Hunting Regulations for 2013-2014.