Ken Erickson has been hunting in Saskatchewan since 1971, and the emergence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) was a significant factor in his decision to stop hunting certain species.
With the conclusion of a provincial program, other hunters are contemplating similar choices.
The Saskatchewan government has opted to terminate its chronic wasting disease testing initiative after several years, citing low participation rates among hunters. This disease impacts the brains and nervous systems of cervids, including deer, elk, and moose.
Erickson noted that although there have been no documented instances of the disease affecting humans, his wife has an immunocompromised condition, leading him to prioritize his family’s safety.
“I simply do not want to introduce that into my home. I’m not taking any chances,” he stated.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Erickson began hunting at the age of eight and was the first in his family to embrace hunting.
After relocating to Regina in the 1970s, he accumulated extensive experience hunting across the prairies. He has contributed articles to assist fellow hunters and has served as a guide in northern Saskatchewan and northern Alberta.
Erickson, who moved to Regina in 1971, states he won’t take risks with chronic wasting disease. (Submitted by Ken Erickson)
Currently, Erickson continues to hunt, focusing primarily on birds. He mentioned that as he has aged, managing larger game has become increasingly challenging for him alone. However, he expressed interest in hunting other animals if the risk of CWD were eliminated.
“I would like to hunt deer again,” he remarked. “If this were purely a scientifically-grounded decision, I would find it more acceptable. But I believe it leans more towards a politically driven decision.”
Many others have also voiced their discontent with the province’s choice.
Darrell Crabbe, executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, emphasized the importance of the testing program for the community. For some hunters, including himself, it served as a crucial safety measure to guarantee that their meat was safe to consume.
The province stated that environment ministry personnel will continue to monitor wildlife health and populations through alternative methods. (CBC News)
“For me, it’s one aspect, but definitely not for my grandchildren, children, or friends,” Crabbe stated regarding the associated risks.
According to the provincial government, staff from the environment ministry will keep track of wildlife health and populations using different approaches.
Since the province began collecting data, CWD has been detected in 63 out of Saskatchewan’s 83 wildlife zones.
Mandatory testing was enforced in zones 43, 47, 49, 50, 53, and 55-69. The government announced that samples from these mandatory zones submitted by October 31 will still be processed.
However, samples from voluntary zones will not undergo testing.
Crabbe mentioned that the wildlife federation center in Moose Jaw received samples consistently throughout the year, but some criticisms arose concerning the program’s logistics and effectiveness.
“Often, there’s a delay of several weeks in receiving feedback,” he explained.
Ryan Brook, a professor in the department of animal and poultry science at the University of Saskatchewan, discusses the province’s decision to end its Chronic Wasting Disease testing program on The 306.
“That was certainly something we hoped would be addressed and reduced,” he commented.
Ryan Brook, a professor in the animal and poultry science department at the University of Saskatchewan, expressed surprise at the program’s termination despite acknowledging its difficulties.
“You don’t shut down a program because it faces challenges; you improve the program and keep it running,” Brook asserted.
“This information is crucial.”
He indicated that there was no prior consultation regarding the implications of halting the program.
“Hunters are astonished. They claim that none of the hunting organizations were consulted. This decision appeared suddenly in the midst of the deer-hunting season.”
Erickson is concerned that hunters might now opt to discard a carcass, raising the risk of disease transmission. He also fears that younger animals may become more common targets, as there is a prevalent belief that they are less likely to harbor the disease.
The potential consequences
Crabbe stated that 30 percent of revenues from all hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses sold by the Saskatchewan government contribute to the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund, which allocates approximately $300,000 to $450,000 annually to the chronic wasting disease program.
As of Friday morning, he reported receiving calls from hunters who have decided to retire from hunting altogether following the decision.
“I’m hearing many conversations today, [indicating] that if they’re not going to let us test our harvested animals, then it’s time for me to stop hunting,” he noted.
-
Saskatchewan hunters take issue with plan to end chronic wasting disease testing
-
Hunting programs aim to get more Indigenous youth on the land this season
Crabbe remarked that the financial implications of this decision may not have been fully considered.
“Ultimately, the financial loss will be significantly greater than the minor investment they were making for the chronic wasting disease program.”
Brook urged the government to take the matter seriously and to commit to actions beyond mere data collection, such as prohibiting baiting and addressing transmission issues.
Researcher Ryan Brooks noted there was no consultation regarding the impact of canceling the program. (Submitted by Ken Erickson)
Crabbe added that the hunting community is urging the government to restore the program and has called for the establishment of a wildlife advisory committee to enhance coordination for 2027.
“I’m disappointed. The better approach would be to address the issue,” Erickson commented. “I would still like to hunt in that area.”