Ken Erickson, a seasoned hunter in Saskatchewan since 1971, has decided to halt his hunting activities, particularly targeting certain animals, due to concerns about chronic wasting disease. With a provincial testing program coming to a close, other hunters are contemplating a similar decision.
The Saskatchewan government has opted to discontinue its chronic wasting disease testing initiative after facing low participation from hunters over the years. This disease impacts the neurological systems of cervids like deer, elk, and moose.
Erickson, expressing his apprehension, highlighted that although there have been no recorded cases of the disease affecting humans, his wife’s compromised immune system led him to prioritize his family’s safety. Being a resident of Thunder Bay, Ontario, he initiated his hunting journey at a young age and has since accrued extensive experience hunting across the prairies.
Amidst his preference for bird hunting due to challenges in handling larger game alone with age, Erickson expressed a desire to hunt deer again if not for the risk posed by chronic wasting disease. He criticized the government’s decision as being more politically driven than scientifically informed.
Darrell Crabbe, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, emphasized the critical role of the testing program in ensuring the safety of consumable meat for hunters. Despite the termination of the program, the provincial government assured that environment ministry staff would continue monitoring wildlife health and population through alternative means.
The disease has been detected in 63 of Saskatchewan’s 83 wildlife zones since data collection began. Mandatory testing zones, including zones 43, 47, 49, 50, 53, and 55-69, will process samples submitted by October 31, while voluntary submission zones will no longer undergo testing.
Crabbe acknowledged logistical challenges and delays in the program, urging for improvements rather than termination. Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of maintaining the program for vital information collection.
Concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of halting the testing program, including increased disease spread, economic impacts on hunting, and the need for comprehensive actions beyond data collection to address the issue effectively. The hunting community is advocating for the reinstatement of the program and enhanced government involvement in wildlife management.
Erickson expressed disappointment in the decision and called for a more proactive approach to tackling the issue, emphasizing his wish to continue hunting in the region.
