The state Department of Natural Resources again wants lawmakers to ban baiting and feeding of deer. That's what they'll ask the Natural Resources Board to do Wednesday as part of the board's request to the legislature.
DNR Big Game Specialist Keith Warnke says the ban is needed because the ecosystem of a forest can been thrown off with interference, including creating an overly large deer herd.
Warnke says baiting and feeding compromises the health of farm animals and pets by potentially spreading diseases such as tuberculosis. The DNR is very concerned that concentrated feeding areas can spread Chronic Wasting Disease among deer. Recently deer infected with the brain disease were discovered on Wisconsin farms, the first incidents since 2005. Warnke calls that "all the more important" reason to have a more pro-active, preventative approach to CWD.
Baiting and feeding deer are already banned in most of Southern Wisconsin where CWD has been found in animals.
Previous attempts at the ban have had no movement in the legislature.