The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reported new cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in two locations: Hawley in Clay County and Greenfield in Hennepin County. Both infected deer were bucks harvested during the firearm season. Wildlife health supervisor Erik Hildebrand noted that adult male deer are particularly susceptible to CWD, largely due to their behaviors during the rut. As cases increase, the DNR will implement management zones with specific regulations to control the spread. Hunters are encouraged to stay informed on these changes.
Why does this matter in North Dakota? The issue of regulating feeding practices to prevent the spread of CWD is currently under consideration by the legislature. ND Game & Fish has suggested restrictions would slow the spread by reducing food sources that bring deer together. Some hunters say this isn’t needed. The legislature is thus far indulging the hunters, casting off the recommendations of their own state agency. Now, CWD is found again, this time on the border of North Dakota.
SB 2137
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 20.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the use of supplemental feed for hunting.
House Sponsors: Koppelman (R, District 16), Novak (R, District 33), Tveit (R, District 33),
Senate Sponsors: Boehm (R, District 33), Patten (R, District 26), Thomas (R, District 6),
Beneath a sea of orange shirts, North Dakota’s hunters gathered at the Capitol, rallying for a cause close to their hearts. They want Senate Bill 2137, a concise legal proposal, to lift the restrictions on using bait for deer hunting. Proponents argue that these restrictions, designed to prevent chronic-wasting disease, have overreached, impacting traditional hunting practices. Critics from the Game and Fish Department caution that easing restrictions could heighten disease risks. It’s a classic debate: tradition versus precaution.
It’s not the first story of the week on this topic either, the story linked below out of Wyoming highlights the growing threat CWD presents.
SB 2137
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 20.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the use of supplemental feed for hunting.
House Sponsors: Koppelman (R, District 16), Novak (R, District 33), Tveit (R, District 33)
Senate Sponsors: Boehm (R, District 33)Patten (R, District 26), Thomas (R, District 6)
