Deer Science Archives | Page 4 of 34

21 08, 2019

New CWD Test For Deer Urine

bluemillion2020-06-10T09:14:53-04:00August 21st, 2019|Big Deer Stories, Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Science|Comments Off on New CWD Test For Deer Urine

Wildlife Research Center and Tink’s have partnered with CWD Evolution to fund a study on a testing protocol known as RT-QuIC, which is designed to examine deer urine for CWD contamination. This will allow manufacturers of deer and elk scents to test and verify that no CWD is detected in the urine used in their products. According to Phil Robinson of Tink’s, “We sought out the most recognized authorities regarding CWD transmission via urine to get their opinion. We are 100% confident that our products pose no risk of spreading CWD. This test is just a confirmation of that fact.” “Our industry is committed to the health of wild cervids and the sport of hunting,” adds Sam Burgeson of Wildlife [...]

15 08, 2019

Virginia To Hold Public Meeting On CWD–All States Should Do The Same

bluemillion2020-06-10T09:14:53-04:00August 15th, 2019|Big Deer Stories, Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Hunting, Deer Science|Comments Off on Virginia To Hold Public Meeting On CWD–All States Should Do The Same

Throughout the summer of 2019 the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has hosted workshops on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in West Tennessee counties where the disease has been documented. Experts from the TWRA and University of Tennessee have been on hand to answer all the complex and confusing questions hunters are sure have, such as: What exactly is CWD? How can it impact my hunting? I hunt the next county over from where CWD has been found, should I be worried? Can I carry a buck carcass home I shot in another county? Can I use deer urine? Can I eat the meat from a buck I shot in a CWD area? Is deer meat possibly contaminated—can it hurt my [...]

13 08, 2019

The Debate Over Deer Urine

bluemillion2020-06-10T09:14:53-04:00August 13th, 2019|Big Deer Stories, Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Hunting, Deer Science, Hunting News|Comments Off on The Debate Over Deer Urine

Earlier this summer South Carolina became the 9th state to ban the use of urine-based scents for deer hunting. In a press release, the South Carolina DNR said in part: “the department is following the lead of other states in proactively prohibiting the use of (urine) in order to minimize the potential for CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) introduction into South Carolina.” In response to this and other state bans on urine-based scents, two major scent companies—Wildlife Research Center and Tink’s, have issued this response: The argument made by rule makers to ban these products is that they unnaturally congregate deer like bait or feed, thereby increasing interaction between animals and possibly increasing the spread of disease. While a scent set-up [...]

26 07, 2019

South Carolina 9th State to Require Synthetic Deer Lures

bluemillion2020-06-10T09:14:53-04:00July 26th, 2019|Big Deer Stories, Big Deer TV, Deer Hunting, Deer Science|Comments Off on South Carolina 9th State to Require Synthetic Deer Lures

In this day and age of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) South Carolina becomes the 9th state to prohibit the use of natural deer urine, and to require hunters to use synthetic deer lures only. The new regulation takes effect with the start of the 2019-20 whitetail season. Earlier this summer Tennessee also issued a new regulation that requires the use of synthetic scents. Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont and my home state of Virginia are the other states that have banned natural deer and elk urine. In a press release, the South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources wrote: “the department is following the lead of other states in proactively prohibiting the use of (natural attractants) in order [...]

10 07, 2019

Summer Deer Scouting: Mock Scrapes And Trail Cameras

bluemillion2020-06-10T09:15:18-04:00July 10th, 2019|Big Deer Stories, Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Hunting, Deer Science|Comments Off on Summer Deer Scouting: Mock Scrapes And Trail Cameras

A new regulation this year in Virginia prohibits the use of minerals to attract deer in one of the counties I hunt. Since I’m now forced to give up monitoring mineral licks, I’m making mock scrapes and setting trail cameras beside them. Several studies have shown that whitetail bucks will visit scrapes with fresh scent year-round, and especially in the summer months. The fake scrapes are good places (not as good as mineral licks, but the next best thing) to get images of bucks that will roam your area this fall. A mock scrape is not only scent-based, but also a visual sign. Rake out at least a 2 foot by 3 foot area below an overhanging branch. As you [...]