| Dear Valued Customer,
We need your help.
Last month, the Alabama Department of Conservation released a regulatory proposal that states: “The use or possession of natural cervid urine from cervids outside of Alabama while hunting is prohibited” (see attached). This proposal, if approved, would become effective prior to next year’s (2019-20) deer hunting season.
The science does not support banning urine based scents. (see attached/enclosed documents). 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.
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 Alabama to take these unnecessary actions.
Furthermore, the urine used in our products and the other leading scent companies comes from facilities 100% monitored for CWD meaning every deer that dies is tested for CWD. CWD has never been found on one of these facilities.
To even further err on the side of caution, we along with essentially all the major scent companies and our collection facilities, participate in the ATA Deer Protection Program to further protect our herds from CWD.
We take the threat of CWD very seriously and support action to stop the spread of CWD. While we support efforts to prevent CWD, we strongly oppose banning or prohibiting – retail sale, possession, use, and distribution of urine based scents.
Urine based scents are an important tradition and management tool for hunters.
The ability to use urine based scents in the state of Alabama will 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.
There is currently an opportunity to provide public comments and we would encourage you to do so. Public comments are open for 45 days post-announcement and therefore shall remain open through January 4, 2019. Please Direct your written comments to: Director Charles “Chuck” Sykes, Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries, Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130. Comments may also be emailed to Director Sykes at Chuck.Sykes@dcnr.alabama.gov
Please take a few moments to send your comments opposing this ban.
Feel free to use the following suggested comment or create your own.
Thank you for your time and help on this important issue, |
