With deer season quickly approaching we knew it was only a matter of time until deer urine and the potential ban of natural deer scents made its way back on the docket. With the threat of CWD entering Louisiana, LDWF is working to ensure it doesn't make its way here through any back door methods such as natural deer scents and attractants. Until recently the production of deer urine scents has been unregulated. But with the release of new CWD testing methods manufacturers are able to test deer fluids for the prion found in CWD more quickly. With the creation of the Archery Trade Association Deep Protections Program hunters will have 2 choices for this upcoming season:
- Use artificial deer scents and attractants
- Purchase natural deer urine products from approved ATA DPP manufacturers.
Information on the ATA Deer Protection Program and a list of approved manufactures can be found here.
Approved ATA Deer Protection Program scents and attractants will be labeled with a Checkmark verifying the manufacturer's participation in the Deer Protection Program and ensure they adhere to the program's regulations.
July 2, 2019 – The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) passed a declaration of emergency during its July meeting Monday (July 1) that modifies the deer urine ban for the 2019-20 hunting season. The ban is part of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' (LDWF) and LWFC's effort to prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) from entering the state.
New testing procedures have been made available to producers of deer urine that can detect the presence of CWD in urine-based products.
The modified regulation reads as follows: It is unlawful to use or possess scents or lures that contain natural deer urine or other bodily fluids while taking, attempting to take, attracting or scouting wildlife, except natural deer urine products produced by the manufacturers or entities that are actively enrolled and participating in the Archery Trade Association Deer Protection Program, which have been tested using real-time quaking induced conversion and certified that no detectable levels of CWD are present and clearly labeled as such.
To see the full list of approved manufacturers visit http://archerytrade.org/manufacturers/deer-protection/
CWD is a neurodegenerative disease found in most deer species, including moose, elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer. It is infectious and always fatal. It is part of a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and is similar to BSE (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease) of cattle and scrapie in sheep. These diseases cause irreversible damage to brain tissue that leads to salivation, neurological symptoms, emaciation and death of the animal.
Deer infected with CWD can spread the disease even before symptoms develop. It can take one to two years for infected animals to become symptomatic. When symptoms appear, they can include emaciation, lethargy, abnormal behavior and loss of bodily functions. Other signs include excessive salivation, loss of appetite, progressive weight loss, excessive thirst and urination, teeth grinding and drooping ears.
It has been found in 26 states, including Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.
LDWF has tested more than 8,600 deer since 2002 and has not detected CWD in Louisiana. For more information, go to http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/CWD .
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov.