The New York DEC is updating their Deer Management Plan (https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/deerplandraft1120.pdf) Most of the plan is constructive and focused, and you may have seen news releases encouraging hunters to support it. However, what is not mentioned in the public announcement is that the plan includes recommendation for a COMPLETE BAN ON NATURAL HUNTING SCENT (see pages 56-62).

Advocates within DEC proposed a scent ban three years ago, and the scent ban proposal “generated the most attention” (NYS CWD Minimization Plan, p.36). The comprehensive ban was removed from the plan at that time. Given the attention the issue generated then it is surprising that the DEC slipped this section into their current plan without mentioning it to the public and released it during a pandemic in the month leading to the Holidays.

Interested hunters and hunting product businesses are encouraged to engage and offer comment to the plan in opposition to the scent ban.

Email: wildlife@dec.ny.gov Mail: DEC Deer Plan, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754