New suggestions were handed to Governor Walker this week to combat the fight against chronic wasting disease here in Wisconsin. The new proposals are being considered to get a handle on the growing problem impacting Wisconsin's deer herd.
Just over nine percent of deer in Wisconsin tested positive for CWD this year which is a three percent hike from 2015. Today some state representatives are saying something has to be done about this trend now.
Chronic wasting disease was first discovered in 2002 in Wisconsin, which was the same year it was found in Illinois. The major difference between the two states is that today Illinois has just one percent of the deer population infected and Wisconsin's rate is at 9 percent and growing.
"We've seen it happen out west where populations are literally cut in half," says Rep. Nick Milroy of the 73rd Assembly District.
State Representative Milroy proposed to the governor and DNR that we once again expand the hunting season down south.
"We need to have intensive harvest in the areas that are infected with this disease so it doesn't get a chance to bloom out of control," adds Rep. Milroy.
The DNR is considering the proposal too admitting that the problem of CWD is a concern.
"We're certainly going to look at those (proposals) as we go forward," says Tom Hauge the Director of Wildlife Management for the Wisconsin DNR.
But Hauge also says that the use of sharp shooters or an expanded hunting season in some regions would need support first.
"If that's going to be done it's going to require the local support of the public in those infected areas," adds Hauge.
Other potential changes would include a ban on baiting and feeding deer and the installation of double fences of captive deer herds. Some would also like to see a study done on baits to see if they contain CWD components. Some states including Illinois s have done some of these suggestions after they determined it may contribute to the spread of CWD.
Representative Milroy plans on touring the state to talk with hunters about the CWD problem if the governor and the DNR don't support his proposals. He anticipates getting a response from the governor about his proposals within the next couple of weeks.
