Can CWD Spread Through Reused Arrows? What Hunters Need to Know

 

 

The answer is more unsettling than most hunters realize. Bowhunting involves close-range shots that pierce muscle tissue, blood vessels, and lymph nodes prime sites for prion contamination if the deer is infected. Arrows retrieved from the carcass are often wiped off and reused, but standard cleaning methods don’t neutralize prions.

A study by the National Institutes of Health found that prions bind tightly to steel and plastic surfaces and remain infectious even after routine cleaning. While a five-minute soak in 40% household bleach can deactivate prions on stainless steel, bleach cannot penetrate solid tissue. Infected brain matter remained infectious after a 30-minute soak in undiluted bleach meaning arrows contaminated with tissue fragments may still carry active prions, even after soaking.

📎 Source: NIH Prion Decontamination Guidelines (PDF)

 

 Bleach vs. Prions: What Actually Works

Full-strength household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) can reduce prion infectivity on smooth surfaces like stainless steel but only under tightly controlled conditions. Soaking for one hour in undiluted bleach may be partially effective, especially when followed by autoclaving at temperatures between 121–134°C. However, prions are notoriously resistant to chemical disinfectants. Solid tissue fragments, such as brain matter or lymph tissue lodged in gear, can remain infectious even after 30–60 minutes of soaking. The most reliable method for prion deactivation is incineration or autoclaving at 134°C for a full hour. Bleach alone is not enough.

For bowhunters, this presents a serious risk. Arrows contaminated with tissue fragments not just surface blood may still carry active prions even after prolonged soaking in bleach. Carbon shafts, broadheads, and fletching often contain seams, grooves, or porous surfaces that trap microscopic debris, making full decontamination nearly impossible without industrial sterilization. While soaking for hours might reduce the risk, it does not guarantee prion removal especially under field conditions where proper equipment and protocols are rarely available.

🛡️ Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational and advocacy purposes only. It reflects first hand observation, ordinance documentation, and cited research related to wildlife behavior and municipal policy in Joplin, Missouri. The content does not accuse any individual of wrongdoing, nor does it claim definitive knowledge of private property practices. All references to hunting ethics, permit access, and ordinance impact are based on publicly available sources, ecological studies, and community testimony.