The use of urine as an attractant has long been popular with Louisiana deer hunters. The reason they are so popular is that they work. However, they could also play a part in spreading a devastating disease that could really diminish the deer population in the area.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is cautioning hunters about urine products that could be a part of the spread of chronic wasting disease. The disease has not been verified in Louisiana but our neighboring states of Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas have all reported cases of the neurodegenerative disease.

The sale of deer urine is not regulated by any state or federal agency. So there is no government watchdog group monitoring the product and whether or not it is safe for use in the field.

Several states have outlawed the use of urine-based lures for deer hunting.  Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Virginia have already disallowed the use of the lure in the field.

So, for now, LDWF is asking hunters to err on the side of caution when it comes to using urine-based attractants. There is currently legislation proposed by Congressman Ralph Abraham that would address the production and safety of this kind of product. That legislation is still in discussions in Washington D.C.