The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says deer baiting was pervasive during this year’s hunting season.

The DNR’s Division of Enforcement cited 144 people with baiting, the highest number of citations issued for the practice since the agency started tracking it in 1991.

Conservation officers also issued 24 warnings and seized 134 guns or bows in baiting-related investigations during the 2011 bow, firearms and muzzleloader seasons.

Locally, however, baiting was not a problem. Tom Hutchins, DNR area conservation officer, said he did not issue any citations this year in either Mower or Freeborn counties.

Those who illegally bait place food near hunting stands or in clearings with the hope of luring deer into close range. The fine for baiting is $300, plus about $80 for court costs. If a deer is taken, restitution of $500 can be included in the fine. Guns may also be seized.

Hutchins encourages hunters to get educated before the season ever starts.

“If they have questions, get a hold of me,” he said. “Whether it be anything, give me a call before they go out in the field. I’d like to get those questions answered before they go out hunting.”