Ken Erickson, a long-time hunter in Saskatchewan since 1971, has decided to cease hunting certain animals due to concerns about chronic wasting disease. The Saskatchewan government recently announced the discontinuation of its chronic wasting disease testing program after facing low participation from hunters. This disease impacts the nervous systems of cervids like deer, elk, and moose.
Erickson, who prioritizes his family’s safety, expressed reluctance to risk exposing them to the disease, highlighting his wife’s compromised immune system. Despite being an avid hunter since childhood, Erickson has shifted his focus to bird hunting as handling larger game has become challenging with age.
The decision to end the testing program has faced criticism from individuals like Darrell Crabbe, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, who viewed the program as essential for ensuring the safety of meat consumption within the community. The government has assured that wildlife health and population monitoring will continue through alternative methods.
The termination of the program has sparked concerns within the hunting community, with some hunters considering hanging up their gear permanently. There are worries about the potential consequences of halting the testing program, including the spread of the disease and financial impacts on hunting activities.
Experts like Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by the program rather than canceling it abruptly. The decision has raised calls for the government to reinstate the testing program and establish better coordination for wildlife management in the future.