Ban on the Use of Deer Urine

WHEREAS, CWD has not been found in Louisiana, but has been found in bordering states of Texas and Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, CWD is caused by mutated proteins called prions that are spread by deer-to-deer contact, or by contact with urine, feces, saliva, and body parts of infected deer; and

WHEREAS, infectious materials in soil persist for years and infected soil is almost impossible to disinfect; and

WHEREAS, CWD is most commonly found in deer pens and captive facilities; and

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) passed regulations on the importation of cervid carcasses effective March 1, 2017 in an effort to reduce the likelihood of introducing CWD into Louisiana’s whitetail deer populations; and

WHEREAS, deer urine collected from animals in deer pens and captive facilities is commonly sold throughout the state as an attractant and is scattered in areas where deer are hunted; and

WHEREAS, deer hunting activities have a huge retail economic impact, as well as a positive impact on hunting property values, both of which would be diminished if CWD is ever identified in Louisiana.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF), in an effort to further reduce the risk of CWD in Louisiana’s deer herd, urges the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and any other responsible state agencies to place a ban on the use of deer urine collected from animals in deer pens and captive facilities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that LWF urges the Louisiana Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign into law, any enabling legislation required to effect this ban.