LOUISIANA HUNTERS AND SPORTSMAN – ACT NOW!
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is considering new rules that include a ban on the use of urine based scents, an important tradition and tool for hunters.
The science does not support banning urine-based scents. The lead authors of two of the studies most commonly referenced when considering a ban agree the risk of commercially available urine-based scents contributing to the spread of CWD is virtually zero (see more at www.cwdfacts.org).
According to these authors, who are authorities on prion research, these same studies are being exaggerated and misrepresented in the recently released Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies best management practices and technical report encouraging states like Louisiana to take these unnecessary actions.
Furthermore, the urine used in products of leading scent companies comes from facilities 100 percent monitored for CWD — meaning that every deer that dies is tested for CWD. CWD has never been found in one of these facilities.
To even further err on the side of caution, the major scent companies and their collection facilities participate in the ATA Deer Protection Program to protect our deer herds from CWD.
We take the threat of CWD very seriously and support action to stop the spread of CWD. While we support reasonable efforts to prevent CWD, we strongly oppose the banning of urine-based scents.
The ability to use urine-based scents in the state of Louisiana could be taken away if enough people don’t send in their comments opposing this ban. We need everyone’s help to stop this. Every individual who sends in their comments can make a difference.
What to do:
Please send comments before the next Louisiana commission meeting on April 3, 2019. They are open to considerations on deciding this rule, but need to know just how important the use of urine-based scents are to Louisiana hunters. Please take a few moments to email the commissioners your comments opposing this ban at the following addresses below:
The seven current members of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission are:
Mr. Alfred R. Sunseri, Chairman
E-mail: asunseri@cox.net
Mr. William D. Hogan, Vice-Chairman
E-mail: Bill@bankruston.com
Mr. Robert J. Samanie III
E-mail: captbob6888@aol.com
Mr. Chad J. Courville
E-mail: ccourville@miami-corp.com
Mr. William J. “Joe” McPherson
E-mail: jmcpherson@mdlaf.com
Ms. Jerri G. Smitko
E-mail: jerri@smitkolaw.com
Mr. Bart R. Yakupzack
E-mail:bart@jlawton.cc
What to write:
Feel free to express your own concerns or copy/paste the following suggested comments below:
To:
asunseri@cox.net; Bill@bankruston.com; captbob6888@aol.com; ccourville@miami-corp.com; jmcpherson@mdlaf.com; jerri@smitkolaw.com; bart@jlawton.cc
Subject: New Louisiana rules – Ban on urine-based scents
Dear Commissioners,
I care greatly about deer and the sport of hunting. I recognize the threat of CWD and support actions to stop or slow the spread. However, I strongly disagree with banning the use of urine-based scents.
Urine-based scents are an important tradition and management tool to help hunters like myself be more successful.
The science does not support the ban of urine-based scents. The lead authors of some of the studies most commonly referenced when considering a ban say the risk of commercially available urine-based scents contributing to the spread of CWD is virtually zero.
Furthermore, the urine-based scents that we use come from manufacturers and monitored facilities that participate in the Archery Trade Association Deer Protection Plan, further ensuring an even higher level safety.
I take the threat of CWD very seriously and support action to stop the spread of CWD. While I support certain efforts to prevent CWD, I strongly oppose banning or prohibiting the use of urine-based scents.
Urine-based scents are an important part of my hunt. Banning these products will have a negative impact on my hunting success and the tradition of hunting in this state.
Please do not ban/prohibit urine-based scents.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
(your name)
For more information on CWD, please visit: www.cwdfacts.org
