April 27, 2021
A change in state hunting regulations banning the possession, sale, and use of all natural, deer-derived hunting lures (urine and glandular secretions) becomes effective May 10, 2021. The ban is to help safeguard the health of New Jersey's deer herd from the threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). These scents and lures are derived from captive deer where the risk of CWD is greatest. The production of deer urine is not regulated; there is no federal or state agency that can certify deer urine-based products as CWD-free, and no level of exposure is acceptable.
CWD is a progressive and always fatal neurologic disease affecting deer and other members of the Cervid family such as elk, moose, and reindeer. It results in emaciation, abnormal behavior, loss of bodily functions and death, and is readily spread from deer to deer. While CWD has not yet been documented in New Jersey, it poses a real and significant risk to deer herds and New Jersey's deer hunting tradition if it arrives here.
The Division is doing everything in its power to prevent CWD from entering New Jersey and to protect the long-term health of our deer herd and our deer hunting heritage. This action is to help safeguard the health of New Jersey's deer herd from the threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
CWD Information
Letter Sent To Retailers (pdf)
