A new strategy to combat Chronic Wasting Disease in Wisconsin's deer herd has recieved approval by the state Natural Resources Board, in the form of a proposed rule for the 2008 deer hunting season.
The rule is in part the recommendation of a citizens group which the Department of Natural Resources on the management of CWD. The DNR mades additional recommendations intended to do more to manage the disease.
The CWD rule would:
-combine two CWD management zones into one with one season framework and consistent regulations.
-establish deer population goals that are 20% below the goals established in 2001.
-establish season structures that are similar to the rest of the state with the addition of a late firearm deer season.
-prohibit the importation of whole cervid carcasses from areas in WI and other states where CWD is found (2009).
-expand the ability to hunt with rifles to the entire CWD Management Zone except for metro units.
Wisconsin has spent more than $27 million fighting CWD, since it first appeared in the state in 2002.
