Ken Erickson, a seasoned hunter in Saskatchewan since 1971, cited chronic wasting disease as a key factor in his decision to halt the pursuit of certain animals. With the discontinuation of a provincial testing program, other hunters are contemplating a similar course of action.
The Saskatchewan government recently announced the cessation of its chronic wasting disease testing initiative due to minimal participation from hunters. This disease impacts the brains and nervous systems of cervids like deer, elk, and moose.
Erickson, emphasizing the importance of his family’s safety, mentioned his reluctance to risk exposing his immunocompromised wife to the disease. Despite no reported cases of the disease affecting humans, he expressed his firm stance against taking any chances.
Having started hunting at the age of eight in Thunder Bay, Ont., Erickson transitioned into becoming a prominent hunter in the prairies after moving to Regina in the 1970s. His vast hunting experience includes guiding in northern Saskatchewan and northern Alberta.
While Erickson continues his hunting activities, focusing mainly on birds due to the challenges of handling big game alone as he ages, he expressed a desire to hunt deer again if not for the risks associated with chronic wasting disease.
The termination of the testing program has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Darrell Crabbe, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, who underlined its importance in ensuring the safety of meat for consumption within the community.
Although the government plans to monitor wildlife health and population through alternative methods, concerns have been raised about the potential repercussions of halting the testing program, including the increased risk of disease spread and the impact on hunters and the hunting industry.
With the decision sparking discontent among hunters and wildlife experts, calls have been made to reinstate the program and enhance coordination efforts for wildlife management in the future. The move to discontinue the chronic wasting disease testing program has left many in the hunting community disappointed and seeking a more proactive approach to address the issue.