Hunters May be Met with New Challenge in New Year: ‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in Deer and Fish

Written by HLRBO| 1/3/2023

The chemicals are prompting health advisories in areas where hunting and fishing are integral pieces of the local economy. If the problem escalates, it could mean big trouble for the future of hunting.

“You’re getting it in your water, you’re getting it in your food, you’re getting it in wild game,” said David Trahan, executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine. “If people are unwilling to hunt and fish, how are we going to manage those species?”

This class of chemicals has been linked to a slew of health problems, including low birth weight, organ cancers, liver damage, infertility, high cholesterol, and thyroid problems. PFAS contaminates the air, agricultural fields, and groundwater.  

In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency attempted to limit pollution from PFAS. But, the new discovery of the chemicals in wild animals presents a new challenge that some states are trying to confront with “do not eat advisories” for deer and fish.

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to the fact they don’t degrade or degrade extremely slowly in the environment. They can also stay in a person’s bloodstream for their entire life. These chemicals can be found in a number of everyday items, such as:

• Cleaning products
• Water-resistant clothing, like rain jackets, umbrellas, and tents
• Cooking spray
• Nonstick cookware
• Grease-resistant paper
• Shampoo
• Dental floss
• Nail polish
• Eye makeup
• Stain-resistant coatings for carpet, upholstery, and other fabrics.

As states that have detected the chemicals in well water, deer, and fish, scramble to pass laws to limit the use of PFAS, officials expect to find the chemicals in other game animals, such as wild turkeys and fish. Many states are now expanding PFAS testing in game animals, including Wisconsin, which has tested deer, ducks, and geese. Wisconsin recently issued a “do not eat” advisory for deer liver north of Green Bay.

Wildlife authorities are working to inform hunters about the presence of PFAS in deer by posting signs in hunting areas and advisories on the internet and social media.

The chief conservation officer for the National Deer Association, Kip Adams, called the discovery of PFAS “very concerning for hunters.”

Hunters should be aware of the PFAS situation and check with their state to find out whether they are testing deer and other animals for the presence of the chemicals. If elevated levels have been detected in your local area, make sure you don’t consume organ meat and follow all “do not eat” advisories.

The news about the prevalence of PFAS in some hunting game may mean you need to change the location of your winter hunts. If you’re looking for a new place to hunt, HLRBO has got you covered. We have nationwide hunting leases available. Find your next hunting lease with HLRBO today.