Ask The Biologist

States take the cautious approach when it comes to bottled deer pee.

QUESTION: Why is it illegal to use deer lure/scent in CWD areas when deer pee in the woods anyway? — John S.

ANSWER: The short answer is, the people who are in charge of establishing such regulations and policies believe it is better to be safe than sorry. There’s still much we don’t know about CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease), particularly how it’s spread. Some biologists believe it could be spread directly from one deer to another, and concentrating deer into smaller areas by activities like supplemental feeding only increases the possibility.

Another thought is that it is spread through urine and feces. While there is no empirical evidence to support this notion, it does seem plausible. The occurrence of CWD throughout the country has been punctuated rather than expanded. Instead of spreading evenly across the landscape it shows up randomly, often in areas quite far from other outbreak areas. However, outbreak areas are often in close proximity to captive deer and elk facilities, which is where deer scents and lures come from.

Owners of many of these facilities have (voluntarily) gone to great lengths to ensure quality control to prevent the incidence and spread of diseases like CWD. Unfortunately, there are always a few outlaws willing to cut corners to make a buck, or buck urine. Anyway, regulators feel it’s better to assume the possibility and take steps to prevent it, at least until we learn more.

The Energizer Camera: Does it make sense to put out food if deer are already coming to an area?
Find Out The Answer!