In April, Pennsylvania state Representative Thomas Mehaffie (R-106) introduced HB 2440, which would have expanded legal baiting during deer season. At first, the reaction was mixed. Many hunters felt that any expansion of baiting would be another step away from tradition. Others let out a sigh of relief and said, “It’s about time.” Turns out neither group was correct, and both will need to wait a little longer to see any news of HB 2440’s fate.

A review of Rep. Mehaffie’s co-sponsoring memo had both those for and against baiting scratching their heads. Despite early rumors, the change was not about allowing the average hunter to dump a pile of corn and fill tags to their heart’s content. Instead, it was proposed that the Pennsylvania Game Commission grant special permission for the expanded use of the established baiting area in the Southeast Region.

If passed, HB 2440 would allow the PGC to establish a bait permit program. The landowner would then apply for permission to disperse bait during the active hunting season. The PGC would approve or deny the request based on the impact baiting would have on the health and management of the overall deer population. Specifically mentioned in Rep. Mehaffie’s memo as potential justifications for approving such a permit were disease transmission, habitat degradation, or, via a special use permit, such as those provided to disabled hunters.

What really raised eyebrows was the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s early support of the bill. Each year, multiple bills could, if passed, have a direct impact on hunting in the Keystone State. The traditional response from PGC is to either remain neutral or oppose the bill, unless, of course, the commission is seeking the change. What was odd about HB 2440 is that, despite long-standing opposition to baiting and an official stance that baiting or communal food sources increase CWD risk, the PGC nonetheless turned the tables to support this effort.

It could be that Pennsylvania was finally giving in and facing the possibility that limited baiting opportunities could help, not hunt, the CWD containment efforts. Other states have already tried this approach and claim that although communal feeding may increase the spread of CWD, baiting increases the ability to harvest potentially affected deer from a small area in a short period of time. But it looks like we may not find out, at least for a little bit longer.

Despite passing through the committee very quickly, HB 2440 has been stalled. On May 6, it was tabled, meaning it will not be up for Pennsylvania House consideration any time soon. With summer recess approaching, followed by elections and then the winter holidays, there is very little chance a full vote will take place this session. Because the current legislative

session expires on Nov. 30, 2026, any bills still pending will automatically die, and need to be reintroduced for new consideration.