Ken Erickson, a seasoned hunter in Saskatchewan since 1971, decided to halt his pursuit of certain animals due to concerns surrounding chronic wasting disease. With the Saskatchewan government discontinuing its testing program for the disease, other hunters are contemplating a similar course of action.
Chronic wasting disease, which affects the brains and nervous systems of cervids like deer, elk, and moose, led to the government’s decision to end the testing initiative following low participation from hunters. Despite no recorded cases of the disease in humans, Erickson, conscious of his immunocompromised wife’s health, chose to prioritize his family’s safety by avoiding potential risks associated with the disease.
Having started hunting at a young age and boasting extensive experience in the prairies since relocating to Regina in the 1970s, Erickson has shared his hunting knowledge through publications and served as a guide in northern Saskatchewan and northern Alberta. While he now predominantly focuses on bird hunting due to challenges in handling big game alone as he ages, he expressed a desire to hunt deer again if not for the threat of chronic wasting disease.
Criticism has emerged regarding the government’s decision to end the testing program. Darrell Crabbe, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, emphasized the program’s importance to the community, particularly for ensuring the safety of meat consumption for hunters like himself. Despite the termination of the testing program, the provincial government plans to continue monitoring wildlife health and population through alternative methods.
The disease has been detected in 63 of Saskatchewan’s 83 wildlife zones, with mandatory testing in specific zones like 43, 47, 49, 50, 53, and 55-69. Samples from mandatory testing zones submitted by October 31 will still be processed, while voluntary submission zones will not undergo testing. Crabbe highlighted challenges around delays in receiving test results, calling for improvements in the program’s efficiency.
Professor Ryan Brook from the University of Saskatchewan’s department of animal and poultry science expressed surprise at the program’s termination, stressing the importance of maintaining such initiatives despite challenges. The lack of prior consultation on the implications of suspending the program has raised concerns among hunters and experts, with calls for the government to address issues beyond data collection, such as transmission prevention and regulation of hunting practices.
As hunters contemplate the implications of the program’s end, concerns over disease spread, financial impacts, and the need for proactive government intervention have come to the forefront. The hunting community is urging the government to reinstate the program and enhance wildlife management strategies through collaborative efforts in the upcoming year. Despite the setback, stakeholders like Erickson remain hopeful for a resolution that balances hunting opportunities with disease prevention measures.