Ken Erickson, a veteran hunter in Saskatchewan since 1971, has curtailed his hunting activities due to concerns over chronic wasting disease. Following the conclusion of a provincial program, other hunters are contemplating following suit.
The Saskatchewan government has opted to discontinue its chronic wasting disease testing initiative after a period of low participation from hunters. This disease impacts the brains and nervous systems of cervids, including deer, elk, and moose.
Erickson, citing the health of his immunocompromised wife, highlighted his reluctance to jeopardize his family’s well-being, even though there have been no reported cases of the disease in humans. Hailing from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Erickson, who began hunting at the age of eight, has become a seasoned hunter in the prairies since relocating to Regina in the 1970s. He has shared his expertise with fellow hunters through published content and served as a guide in northern Saskatchewan and Alberta.
While Erickson still engages in bird hunting, he acknowledges the challenges of handling large game alone as he ages. He expressed a desire to pursue deer hunting again if not for the risk of chronic wasting disease. Criticism has been voiced by others, including Darrell Crabbe, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, who emphasized the program’s importance in ensuring the safety of consumed meat.
The Saskatchewan government stated that wildlife health and population monitoring will continue through alternative methods post-program termination. The disease has been detected in 63 of Saskatchewan’s 83 wildlife zones since data collection began. Mandatory testing in specified zones will persist until October 31, with voluntary submission zones exempt from testing.
Concerns have been raised about potential consequences, including an increased risk of disease spread if hunters abandon carcasses and a shift towards targeting younger animals believed to be less likely carriers of the disease. The financial impact of ending the program has also been noted, with Crabbe highlighting the potential loss surpassing the program’s investment.
Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, underscored the necessity of addressing the issue beyond data collection, proposing measures such as prohibiting baiting and tackling transmission concerns. Calls for the government to reinstate the program and establish a wildlife advisory committee have emerged from the hunting community.
Erickson expressed disappointment over the program’s termination, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue and expressing a desire to continue hunting in the area.