Ban on natural deer scents/lures?

[lakevet]

Been reading that Pennsylvania is moving to ban deer urine use. Several other states also considering it. Bans exist already in Canada. Manitoba Conservation Wildlife & Ecosystem Protection Branch states:

" On Going CWD Regulations

Ban on possession of cervid scents & attractants:

-Any substance containing cervid body fluids (blood, urine, etc.) is banned

-Does not include possession and use of synthetic attractants

-Regulation has little impact on hunting supply businesses as access to

synthetics is adequate "

Concern is that just one CWD infected doe at one lure producing farm could contaminate the product/lure. The product/lure could be shipped and used anywhere in US. So doe pee from a state 500 miles away could result in CWD in Minnesota. CWD is very tough and persists for a long time in soil. Contaminated soil has been shown to be able to infect animals. Think of all those mock scrapes etc that hunters make that deer investigate. Direct contact with lure on a rag/wick also happens. Remember it only takes ONE incident to introduce CWD and have it spread in our wild deer herd. It will be painful for the natural lure makers, but if science supports it I think it makes sense to ban these products. Hopefully the people hurt financially can transition to making synthetics. All our CWD in Minnesota has been in commercial farming operations not wild deer. It also makes sense that a ban would include my using glands taken from deer I harvest (tarsal glands). Worth it to help keep our herd healthy. What do you guys think? Is there any ban in the works in Minnesota? If the science is right would you support a ban?

lakevet

Also wonder about those traveling Live Big Buck shows . What do they do with the animals urine and feces/droppings?

[SpitnArgueDuckClub*]

I must admit after reading the title and first couple of sentences I was thinking what a joke, but the concern paragraph really got me thinking and makes alot of sense and shows why we should be concerned.

[UdeLakeTom]

What is interesting is that at 2 different deer seminars, they said that the use of doe urine is a waste of money. Any urine on a scrape will have the same effect. It is the ammonia in the urine that brings them in, not anything else.

[lungdeflator]

interesting thought. its too bad it has to involve the thought of more regulations. If they could just regulate the farms that the urine comes from and make sure none of those deer have CWD that would be ok then wouldn't ?

[CANOPY SAM]

Tom. That is interesting information regarding deer urine not working. I wonder where that comes from?

From experience I've seen it work first hand. There's been a lot of science and study invested in the use of natural estrus products for hunting. No doubt millions spent on their production.

I'd have to do a little research on the spread of CWD to confirm its epidemiology, and virulence, but one would have to wonder if the (bacterium, virus, or protein) would still be viable (or for how long) once removed from the animal and bottled.

I would think there would be some type of additive that could be used to neutralize any pathogen in the (urine) scent as well - perhaps without changing the nature of the scent what-so-ever.

This whole topic "smells" a little like something coughed up by the anti's to belittle, or at least detur our hunting efforts.

However, if the science is legitimate, I'd definately go along with the elimination of these products. Considering the application of the product (where, and how we use them) there is certainly a valid issue in regard to potential widespread contamination.