“Save Our Deer” Proposal Gains Support
"This is about ensuring the health of our deer herd and the future of hunting in Wisconsin."
MADISON–On Friday, May 12, George Meyer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation urged legislators to co-sponsor the “Save Our Deer” Act recently introduced by Representatives Dana Wachs (D-Eau Claire), Nick Milroy (D-South Range) and Beth Meyers (D-Bayfield). The e-mail expressed support for the bill from numerous groups, including the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Whitetails Unlimited, the Quality Deer Management Association, Wisconsin Deer Hunters Inc. and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
Noting that “Chronic Wasting Disease in Wisconsin’s deer herd is the most serious threat to the future of deer hunting in Wisconsin,” Mr. Meyer indicated that “the provisions in the bill are common-sense provisions which are already being implemented by many deer farms in the state and are commonly in place for most dairy and cattle operations in Wisconsin.”
Rep. Dana Wachs expressed his appreciation for the support of the “Save Our Deer” Act and urged his colleagues in the Legislature to co-sponsor the bill and work to get it signed into law. “This isn’t a partisan issue,” Wachs said. “This is about ensuring the health of our deer herd and the future of hunting in Wisconsin. If we don’t do what we can to slow the spread of CWD, we risk causing irreparable harm to an industry that contributes over one billion dollars to our economy every year.”
Last week, an e-mail was distributed to the Legislature on behalf of the deer farmers association urging legislators to not sign on to the bill. This email stated that “this bill seeks to create new and unnecessary regulations for our industry.” According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, there are 387 deer farms in Wisconsin. Since 2001, 15 farms have tested positive for CWD.
“The e-mail from the deer farm industry is a prime example of special interests frustrating the rights of average Wisconsin citizens,” said Wachs. “There are 387 deer farms in this state, and roughly 600,000 hunters. I very much appreciate the support of the deer hunters and conservation groups that work so hard to defend our hunting traditions and ensure the future of a strong hunting economy in Wisconsin.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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