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birds. In his opinion, it makes no difference whether or not the 



plants have seeds on them when mowed. Any attraction caused by 



mowing is generally due to the alteration of vegetative structure 



rather than the redistribution of seeds. 



Dr. Leigh FredricJcson, of the Gaylord Memorial Laboratory at the 

 University of Missouri, is a respected leader in the study of 

 moist-3oil management for wildlife. Dr. FredricJcson believes 

 that under certain circumstances, dabbling ducks select unmowed 

 over mowed moist-soil areas, particularly if dabbling ducks can 

 gleam seeds directly from fall-flooded unmowed plants. It is his 

 opinion that mowing in mid- to late-summer does not necessarily 

 make natural seeds more available in a way that would attract 

 waterfowl. Furthermore, factors other than seed production and 

 availability of seeds are important in determining whether 

 waterfowl use an area of natural vegetation and to what extent 

 and how the area is used. Mowing scheduled before the end of the 

 growing season retards or halts the development of seed. When 

 these sites are not flooded immediately, insects, birds and small 

 mammals consume some of the seeds and the seeds begin to 

 deteriorate reducing the amount available to waterfowl . 



Federal baiting regulations make no distinction between methods 

 of, or motives for, scattering seeds or feed. Nor do these 

 regulations address the kind or volume of feed scattered. 

 Therefore, it is possible for hunters simply walking through 

 natural vegetation with developed seed to inadvertently scatter 

 seed and create a "baited" situation. 



Only by applying common sense based on an appreciation for the 

 intent of the law can a law enforcement agent spare the 

 unfortunate hunter. Unfortunately, discretion in the field has 

 not always been consistent. For example, for nearly 30 years we 

 in Illinois required hunters to mow vegetation around their 

 blinds on several of our public hunting areas. This practice was 

 not challenged by federal law enforcement agents until 1994. Our 

 hunters believe they are victims of a change in interpretation of 

 the law. In Illinois, we have attempted to educate our hunters 

 about waterfowl baiting regulations. Despite our attempts, a 

 recent survey revealed that about 80% of our waterfowl hunters 

 still do not understand or are concerned about these regulations. 

 That tells me our laws are not clear enough. Our well- 

 intentioned attempt to prevent legal loopholes has resulted in a 



