The NYS Dep't. of Environmental Conservation has announced new regulations on feeding deer that could impact backyard bird feeders.  The regs prohibit feeding deer--expanding and clarifying an earlier prohibition.  The main purpose is to reduce the likelihood of transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease, which could have a major impact on the state's deer herd and can be transmitted when multiple deer are in close proximity.  Other reasons include protecting wildlife habitat, reducing human-deer interaction, and not artificially raising deer populations.

Where bird feeding comes in are incidental situations where deer congregate at feeders, potentially creating the effects above.  In such cases, DEC will issue a written warning to the responsible individual asking that the feeding be halted.  If it continues, it will be considered a violation of the law.

This is similar to regulations addressing bears at bird feeders put in place a few years ago.  Again, if a bear is persistently visiting a bird feeder (or garbage cans, etc.), a warning is provided and a citation issued if the situation is not remedied.

For further information, see http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/119082.html.

Andy Mason

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Andrew Mason
13 Boylston St.
Oneonta, NY  13820
(607) 652-2162
AndyMason@...