Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is certainly a serious problem for deer and deer hunting, but after following this closely for the past two decades, I believe we are collectively stuck in a Groundhog Day scenario with no way out — unless we all start steering in the same direction.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease that affects deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer and moose. It has been found in some areas of North America, including Canada and the United States, Norway and South Korea. It may take over a year before an infected animal develops symptoms (Deer & Deer Hunting photo)
Therein lies the rub. I wish there was a common-sense plan for fighting CWD. There isn’t … unless killing off an entire species can be considered an option. Worse, I believe too many folks are caving to irrational fears by calling for “just in case” regulations that at best smack of barstool logic, and at worst could doom our hunting heritage long before CWD wipes out any regional deer herd.
But that’s a topic for another day. Should we do absolutely nothing and sit back to see what happens? Of course not. Here are the top five things you can do this deer season in regard to CWD:
A scientific review of the literature based on actual data clearly shows that any past combination of quarantines, containment zones, surveillance zones, depopulation, elective harvest, increased harvest limits, supplemental feeding bans, baiting bans, bans on the importation of live cervid species, bans on the importation of carcasses, bans on the importation of trophies, and bans on urine-based lures have not been effective in preventing, controlling or eradicating CWD anywhere. That’s after states spent $100 million in public funds on such initiatives.
2. Report CWD
It’s nearly impossible to tell if a live deer has CWD, but clues include excessive salivation, loss of appetite, progressive weight loss, excessive thirst and urination, listlessness, teeth grinding and holding the head in a lowered position. If you come across a sick deer, report it to your local game agency.
3. Test for CWD
If your area has tested positive for CWD, it only makes sense that you do your part to help biologists track the disease. This means having your deer tested even if it looked normal when you shot it.
4. Dispose of CWD
Because infected prions are most prevalent in brain, spinal and lymphoid tissues, carcasses might be a vector in spreading CWD. It only makes sense to dispose of these discarded parts by burying them or taking them to a designated landfill.
5. Double Down on CWD
Bucks are four times more likely (than does) to contract CWD and many times more likely to transmit the disease outside of local areas due to both dispersal and home-range behavior. In some endemic areas, more than 54 percent of all mature bucks have tested positive for CWD. Hence, no one who’s serious about waging war on CWD should be calling for antler-point restrictions or “let ’em go let ’em grow” management practices.
Some trophy hunting groups will no doubt vehemently disagree with that last statement. “Well, we have to keep hunters engaged somehow,” I’ve heard some say. Enough with the semantics already. To face the facts and still promote older age structures for bucks in CWD areas is akin to a cancer doctor condoning smoking after diagnosing a patient with lung cancer. Ya know, to keep them engaged with their chemo and radiation treatments. Please. That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
For more on this topic: Current Scientific Knowledge About CWD.
Principals for the Pursuit Channel and the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada-based WILD Television Network (WILD TV) have announced the formation of a strategic alliance to better serve their audiences.
The new alliance will offer unique crossover efficiencies and increased target penetration for the hunt-fish-shoot manufacturing community serving the United States, Canada and several key European markets. Pursuit Channel and what will become the re-branded “WILD Pursuit” network in Canada combine for 25 years of international broadcasting acumen serving tens of millions of households. WILD launched in 2004. Pursuit is entering its 11th season as a leading distributor of exceptional, Nielsen-measured, independently driven outdoor content.
“This super-synergized, seamless coalition creates world-class competencies for our continent’s most important, most active conservationists,” said Rusty Faulk, CEO of the Pursuit Channel.
“To combine and package a multi-national bundle of enthusiasts on this scale promises to create a next-level portal for our friends and partners in the manufacturing, conservation and political sectors.” “This new alliance with Pursuit Channel is thrilling,” said Ryan Kohler, President of the WILD businesses. “WILD Pursuit is the reboot of a great favorite, giving our subscribers access to never-seen-before, top- end outdoor programming. Conversely, Pursuit opens an American pipeline of entertainment featuring the programs of our Canadian content partners, showcasing some of Canada’s – the world’s – most impressive big-game species. Incredible landscapes. Charismatic new personalities.”
The announcement follows a record-setting pace for Pursuit Channel, which adds a treasure-trove of new shows in 2019, including Bassmasters content. “We are thrilled to be able to air The Bassmasters on Pursuit Channel, which has an unmatched track record of growth among the audiences our anglers and sponsors most want to reach,” heralded Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. Pursuit Channel is currently active in more than 30 million Nielsen-audited households following a remarkable 15-percent surge in delivery during the past 11 months.
The Pursuit Channel – WILD TV alliance, creating WILD Pursuit to serve Canada, precedes more big news from Pursuit Channel during next week’s 2019 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, NV (booth #10735, Level 2), and preceding it. Pursuit Channel, a categorical leader in HD home delivery, is active nationally via DIRECTV HD, AT&T HD, DISH Network, Fios by Verizon HD and Centurylink Prism HD, Cox Communication and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC). Since subscribing to Nielsen for its reporting in January 2018, Pursuit added 4 million households. Additionally, PursuitUp provides free viewing for hundreds of episodes through ROKU, Amazon Fire TV, iPhone and Androids.
