cutting down a tree to attract deer: legal? ethical?

[smithe26]

Hi -

I'm new to this. I've never been hunting, but I'm thinking of taking it up. My family has a fishing cabin with a few acres of land on an island in Washington State. We cut down trees for firewood. I've noticed that usually after I cut down a tree and process the firewood, deer will come after we've shut the chainsaw off, and left the immediate area. They love to eat the leaves left behind from a freshly cut tree. They really like Madrona leaves in particular.

Is there anything wrong with harvesting a buck next time I cut down a tree for firewood? Is that illegal? Would experienced hunters consider that unethical or unsportsmanlike?

Also, do you need a license and tags to hunt on your own private property?

I have a lot to learn before I go hunting for the first time, but I'd really appreciate some advice from experienced hunters.

Thanks

[Bowhunters]

Welcome to the DHC forum.

You should check with your state Fish and Game/DNR laws regarding baiting deer for hunting, in some states or regions its illegal to put out feed or make food available that is known to attract deer for the intent of hunting them.

Washington State Dept of Fish and Wildlife - http://wdfw.wa.gov/

You may need to call your local Fish and Wildlife office in your region and ask a person to find out specific information as the printed regs may not give specifics on if trees are considered food and if they consider cutting a tree down that deer will feed on as baiting.

Even though in some states baiting deer is legal and in some its not it still varies from hunter to hunter on whether its seen as ok, some don't care and some disdain it as unethical so generaly its in the eyes of the person looking at it.

Some of us members here in the forum live in states that allow baiting and some don't but most all here are open minded about such things and don't care if others do it as long as its inside the rules, we do encourage people to follow the game laws if for no other reason than to help members stay out of trouble.

Deer hunting is a lot of fun whether you go extreemly serious or just look at it as a hobby.