BISMARCK (AP) -- The North Dakota Senate has rejected a bill that would have eliminated feeding and baiting of deer and other big game.
The proposal by Edinburg Sen. Curtis Olafson would have prohibited the use of bait to attract deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and antelope. Olafson says he's worried primarily about the spread of disease associated with the congregation of big game.
Opponents of the measure say that deer already gather around unharvested crops and other natural food sources, and outlawing baiting would not make a difference. Some lawmakers say it's a property rights issue.
The Senate voted 27-19 to kill the bill.
