Ken Erickson, a veteran hunter in Saskatchewan since 1971, has decided to halt his pursuit of certain animals due to concerns over chronic wasting disease. The Saskatchewan government recently announced the termination of its chronic wasting disease testing program, citing low participation from hunters. This disease impacts the neurological systems of cervids like deer, elk, and moose.
Erickson, who prioritizes his family’s safety, expressed unease about the potential risks associated with the disease, especially considering his wife’s compromised immune system. Despite the absence of reported cases in humans, he remains cautious, stating, “I just don’t want to bring that into the house. I’m just not taking chances like that.”
With a hunting background that dates back to his childhood in Thunder Bay, Ont., Erickson has accumulated extensive experience in hunting across the prairies since relocating to Regina in the 1970s. While focusing mainly on bird hunting now due to physical limitations, he expressed a desire to hunt deer again if the threat of chronic wasting disease was eliminated.
Criticism has emerged following the government’s decision, with Darrell Crabbe, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, highlighting the importance of the testing program for ensuring the safety of harvested meat. The province plans to monitor wildlife health through alternative methods after discontinuing the testing program, which had been operational in 63 of Saskatchewan’s 83 wildlife zones.
Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, expressed surprise at the program’s abrupt end, emphasizing the need for ongoing data collection and addressing transmission issues beyond testing. Concerns have been raised about potential consequences, including the financial impact on the hunting community and the risk of disease spread due to decreased monitoring.
As stakeholders push for program reinstatement, the debate continues on the necessity of proactive measures to safeguard wildlife and public health. The Saskatchewan government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by hunters and conservationists alike, as the repercussions of halting the chronic wasting disease testing program reverberate across the province.