I'm sure they will be watching this closely this year. So far I've only found one brand that complies. Copied from the handbook:

It is unlawful to: Possess and use natural cervid urine-based lures and attractants while hunting or trapping game species. Exception: Synthetic cervid urine-based lures or attractants or natural cervid urine-based lures or attractants that are labeled with the official ATA (Archery Trade Association) Seal of Participation are legal.

Participating Manufacturers Altus BrandsBlack Widow Deer LuresBuck BaitsBuck BombCode BlueConquest ScentsDoc’s Deer ScentsHunter's EdgeHunter’s SpecialitiesJackies Deer Lures LLCJames Valley ScentsLockDown OutdoorsMartine's Deer ScentsMrs. Doe Pee Buck LuresNationwide ScentsNexus OutdoorsPure WhitetailTink'sWild Carrot ScentsWildgame InnovationsWildlife Research CenterWyndscent

Found on ATA,website. Copy and paste. Sorry no commas.

https://archerytrade.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ATA_Deer_Protection_Program_Requirements.pdf

Where does the ATA get their scientific information and research? Does money influence their inclusion of products?

In 2019 baiting will be illegal in the lower peninsula as well. I think there are exceptions for disabled hunters. Nothing is cut and dry anymore.

As I read it only applies to lures made from urine. There are other rules applying to deer parts but I saw nothing to restrict the use of tarsal glands.

The new digest can be found here.

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/hunting_and_trapping_digest_461177_7.pdf

Please follow this link: https://archerytrade.org/manufacturers/deer-protection/

Should be a huge interest in food plotting. Unfortunately baiting laws such as this heavily favor private land hunting. Seems a bit odd disabled hunters can bait and potentially spread CWD, when others cannot. Either baiting is bad, or it is not, IMO.

http://archerytrade.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/August-7-ATA-Deer-Protection-Program-Overview.pdf

https://archerytrade.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ATA_Deer_Protection_Oversight_Advisory_Working_Group.pdf

http://archerytrade.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Deer_Protection_Program_Checklist_2018.pdf

Missouribreaks: There are some holes in the new regs but at least Michigan is trying to do something. Inaction/sweeping it under the rug would have been far worst.

Michigan DNR is whistling in the wind if they think this new regulation will be enforceable in the field. Going to be a LOT of deer hunters carry a bottle of "apple juice" in their packs this fall. Are they going to pat down all hunters and run their packs through scanners in the parking lots just like airport security? About all you can do is try to educate hunters on how CWD can be transmitted and encourage them to stop certain practices and then hope for the best.

I was not implying there should not be regulations, in fact I think they should fight CWD with vengeance. Regulations need to be far reaching and consistent. Michigan is not being consistent, but I agree it is a start. Cervid urine based lure production (if allowed) should be regulated by the USDA, not the ATA. How is a lure tested for CWD?

sounds like they are forcing you to buy a brand approved by them (aka pay to play)

buy a small bottle and refill it

If they are serious they should ban the sale, importation and use of all natural cervid urine-based lures and attractants.

The only way to slow the condition is to reduce the concentration of deer in one place. AKA no baiting. That does nothing to reduce the spread through natural activity.

Frankly, it's all a waste of time. The prion can't be killed as it's not alive. The condition will continue to exist and spread until the animals either develop a natural resistance to it or until we develop a cure for it.

Exactly my thoughts, Bruce. Thank God for brown trout and fly rods. I'll have a busy fall knee deep in the Au Sable river system.

The ATA is working with the Federal government with the USDA to develop certification for this.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/cwd/downloads/cwd_program_standards_2014.pdf

Where I live in SE Mn we can't use scents at all.

If you look at the large increase in antlerless permits it's obvious the DNR is trying to greatly reduce the whitetail population, which they've been working on for years. Hopefully, less deer in an area will slow the spread of CWD but I agree with JusPassin. Too many natural factors that can't be eliminated.

Getting population levels to numbers which will prevent the spread of CWD would probably require reducing deer numbers so low that you'd be lucky just to see a deer.

I will play devils advocate, just to stir the conversation. Lets say the sate does nothing and it wipes out hundreds of thousands of deer. Now, everyone is angry because they sat back and did nothing. I dont think they can win no matter their course. I have thought about it a lot, not sure how to fix it, so I have to trust them. I have no degree in wildlife biology.

Alabama starts that in March of next year. Has to be all synthetic.

I am glad they are taking action against CWD because we hunters would most likely do more to spread than limit it. I'm afraid it's here to stay but if they can slow the spread of it they have my support. I started this thread as an FYI because there are several serious changes that all Michigan hunters need to be aware of.

I think this disease was first found in 2008 in two deer in a deer farm in Kent County. Lets see, who dropped the ball on the inspection of these deer farms.

The approved deer hunting regulations, which will be in effect for the 2018 deer seasons unless noted otherwise, include: Reduced the 4-point on-a-side antler requirement on the restricted tag of the combination license in the 16-county CWD Management Zone. Under the new regulation, a hunter in the CWD Management Zone can use the restricted tag of the combination license to harvest a buck with antlers as long as it has at least one 3-inch antler. Created a discounted antlerless license opportunity in the CWD Management Zone on private land; if purchased, the license will expire Nov. 4, 2018. Effective immediately, a statewide ban on the use of all natural cervid urine-based lures and attractants, except for lures that are approved by the Archery Trade Association. An immediate ban on baiting and feeding in the 16-county area identified as the CWD Management Zone. This area includes Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa and Shiawassee counties. A ban on baiting and feeding in the Lower Peninsula, effective Jan. 31, 2019, with an exception to this ban for hunters with disabilities who meet specific requirements. The start date on this regulation is intended to allow bait producers and retailers time to adjust to the new rule. Effective immediately in the CWD Management Zone and four-county bovine tuberculosis area (in Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties), hunters with disabilities who meet specific requirements can now use 2 gallons of single-bite bait, such as shelled corn, during the Liberty and Independence hunts. Allowance of all legal firearms to be used in muzzleloader season in the CWD Management Zone. A purchase limit of 10 private- land antlerless licenses per hunter in the CWD Management Zone. Restrictions on deer carcass movement in the five-county CWD Core Area (Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm and Newaygo counties) and the CWD Management Zone. Antlerless options on deer licenses/combo licenses during firearms seasons in the five-county CWD Core Area. Expansion of early and late antlerless seasons in select counties. Changes to regulations regarding wildlife rehabilitators. In addition, the commission asked the DNR to move forward with:

Personally, I don't have a problem with using attractants. Or bait. But this thread got me to thinking about the holier than thou guys that frown on deer feeders. Apparently, the state of Michigan thinks that it is unethical to use sex as an attractant. From prior experience, I know the importance of both. There is nothing wrong with hunting without manipulating the odds. If you want a sex attractant, find the does. If you want a feed attractant, find a natural food source.

I am not too concerned over how I have always hunted because I just recently retired and the thoughts of hunting over bait just isn't something I really enjoyed. To my way of viewing the baiting ban it means I have to actually hunt some deer!! Kind of why we like in the first place!! But seriously I am really worried that our sport is in jeapordy. Plus the thought of feeding my family a deer that could be tainted really is a huge cause of concern to me. I thankfully have a reputable meat processing operation near me and the DNR is usually right there and they look at and inspect the animals brought in!! At any rate I fear we are seeing the tip of the ice berg and things could get worse before they get better. Anyway my fellow Wallers maybe as someone eloquently stated that nature has a way sometimes of providing immunities but man it probably won't be delivered by Fed Ex overnight if you get my drift!!ED

I guess I'm still trying to figure out what everyone is so upset about with these new regs.

Research shows that the only way to reduce disease transmission is reduced population density and reduced interaction between animals with the second having a direct correlation to the first and vice versa.

Accomplish this by 2 ways, reduce population through increased tags, and reduce interaction by eliminating baiting/congregation sites.

I'm in different because none of these regs will impact my hunting. I just haven't heard a single other suggestion to limit the spread of CWD from any of the nay-sayers. It's all just, bash bash bash. "These regs are going to destroy hunting, rabble rabble rabble."

Well CWD is going to destroy hunting. These regs will at least slow the spread, which is the best you can do because it can't be eliminated.

Not much to ask of hunters, at least you get to hunt.. I swear I have read a kizillion comments over the years of how hunting over bait is no different than food plots etc. Now is your chance to prove it .. Same goes for attracting scents.. Gut feelings on whether it will work or not doesn't matter. There are always those that don't follow the laws but, that's just them being part of the problem..

Michigan DNR is a joke, the quality of the Deer reflect the Management.

I put the blame on the DNR shoulders for failing to regulate and adequately inspect the deer farms that they allowed to be started in our state. The first cases of this disease were found in 2008 on a deer farm in Kent County. AND if it is so important to stop baiting why are they waiting until next next. Why not start this hunting season?

Virginia adopted this regulation last year. It is supposed to reduce the risk of spreading disease through out the herd. I guess that’s doesn’t say too much about the use of the synthetic stuff attractiving game.

That was suppose to read "waiting until next year". Good point nrthernrebel. Why is the DNR allowing the use ANY deer attractant. You can't use the real stuff to attract deer but you can use the fake stuff to attract deer?

They should have banned baiting before it was allowed BUT the farmer got involved. Planting carrots and sugar beets was a money maker for them.

The farm inspections fall under the department of Ag and Rural Development, not the DNR.

They're holding off a year because the NRC roster is stacked with Farm Bureau Members and of course, farmers have all their bait crops in the ground already. Can't impact them at all.

Again, all I hear is, "The DNR deer management is a joke", but what do you want to see? Remember, the DNR does not manage the deer, the hunters do, hunters are the decision makers when their finger is on the trigger or at full draw.

Agree doc but still confused about allowing some deer attractants. Ban them all. Yup, the insurance lobbyist play a big part in government.

Yeah I can get on board with that. It's like pay to play to get that dang ATA check. I put it in the same realm with the NON-GMO butterfly.

I saw a bag of cherries with the non-GMO butterfly. Like WTF?! It's pure marketing, you have these farmers buying membership into a cult for a stupid butterfly. Even though, here's the secret, there are no GMO cherries anywhere in the world. Just like sugar...how can sugar be a GMO? Sugar doens't have DNA.

Sorry, went off on a rant.

Guys, there is no issue with using attractants if they don't contain deer urine. The deer urine is a method of spreading the prions.

I thought the reason for no baiting was so deer wouldn't gather and spread the disease. Kind of like what deer attractants do.

Reasoning is that lures made from real urine may already have the prions, not that they attract deer.

MP

Come on now, be honest...when was the last time anyone other than in an infomercial ever had deer gather from a bottled urine?

A step in the right direction, I believe Ontario banned urine based scents years ago. The way to control the disease is manage the controllables. There are uncontrollables in the field that just cant be controlled. Cutting out the liquid scent lures;stop baiting and lower the population are controllables. Won't happen because too many can't live upto science based facts, I grew up on a dairy farm , our cattle were pastured and never in confinement other than in the barnyard before and after milking. Low rate of sick cattle. That mineral block was bad as it was a gathering point for all the cattle to lick on and spread disease. Larger farms kept their cattle in a larger total confinement fence; more sick cow than pastured cows. A no brainer. As for urine base scents, I use them and wonder why I wasted my money. I have no problem in not using any. I wished Wisconsin would man up to this,it will never happen, too much money and politics involved. THe government should just stay out of this and let the DNR manage the deer based on science and facts not on money generated.

Pennsylvania did it about half a dozen years ago. Research CWD and do yourself a favor and learn all you can about it, rather than go with the conspiracy, it's all about money thing. I'm glad they did and it appears Michigan is on the right track as well.

I think something needed to be done. I think the DNR screws up a lot but I think they have it right this time. The ban on the urine based scents at least is an attempt to stop incoming contagions. Deer will always yard up in my neck of the woods. Drop a cedar tree in the swamp in January and it looks like a whitetail convention. I also think that the no baiting is a good thing for our sport. I think that by baiting, we don't teach the next generation how to hunt and I think it gives us a bad name to the anti's. They migh think that we are "cheating" I'm not judging. I don't bait, never have, but I have used urine based scents with great success. I will obey the new regs, not obeying to me is like cheating at golf or something.

Chain, 95% of this generation thinks deer hunting is sitting over bait. Banning baiting is fine and we did that a few years ago but that didn't stop gas stations from selling bait. Guys will still dump a pile of corn out behind the pole barn. Might not be as much on public land but I'm sure I'll still find piles while out bird hunting though.

The hunters that are poachers now will remain poachers regardless of changes. I used to work part time at a shop on weekends. I couldn't tell you how many non-hunting wives came in and bought deer tags, both buck and doe. It was pathetic and obvious. But......I couldn't do anything more than sell them and grit my teeth. Dirt bags are dirt bags are dirt bags. If they had any regard for our heritage and animals it would have started long before this.

I think for the most part, the DNR would like to make all wildlife related decisions based on sound science, but in today’s world politics plays a big part.

MP

Is using deer lures fair chase? I hear people complain about baiting all the time what is the difference? Just axin.

I've never been one to put urine out on the ground, but not because of CWD. I was taught to use a scent canister and remove the scent at the end of the hunt to keep deer from lingering around my stand when I'm not in it. During the past several years, I haven't used any scent except solid plastic scent wafers. I hang those mainly to cause deer to hesitate a bit in my shooting lanes as they walk past my stand.

Truthfully, I don't think estrous urine is any different than regular urine. The reason is that science says the estrous molecule breaks down within 48 hours. Also, bottled non-estrous deer urine doesn't even smell like fresh urine to me. It's rotten smelling. I sometimes wonder if you could just as well stimulate the same curiosity response with ammonia.

The new Bowhunter magazine has a good article on CWD. Information is very good and better than speculation.

Not to stray too far but it seems to me the the DNR manages the state on what happens south of Hgwy. 46. We have a lot less deer than we used to have and certainly not the concentration that they do downstate. I’d like to see more regional legislation. Like they stated with the antler restriction. But I do know there is a big difference in estrous urine and non-estrous. My male (still intact) Brittany checks every wet spot and you can tell by his reaction what near by females might want to submit to his amorous advances. As traditional hunters our mind just work different than other groups. We live by a different code. I’m proud to be amongst you guys.

I agree that south of 46 is the hot bed for DNR going on's. I suppose for the reason you mentioned. A large abundance of deer. That being said, if the south of 46 herd was terribly infected, they could wipe out with illness the much smaller NLP herd in short order. Just speculation, of course.

In Arizona I never could figure out the no baiting thingy. But you could hunt over livestock licks but not ones manufactured for deer. Do the deer know the difference? Also it stated you can hunt over water holes. IT'S THE FRIGGIN' DESERT, EVERYTHING IS THIRSTY. John

Sorry forgot to mention, You can't use deer lure either. John

I would highly encourage anybody here to listen to the Meat Eater podcast number 70, which discusses CWD with Bryan Richards of the USGS. Also listen to the Joe Rogan Experience #1154.

I learned a lot about the disease in these podcasts. It's a pretty fascinating as well as terrifying disease.

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here