Ken Erickson, who has been hunting in Saskatchewan since 1971, decided to stop pursuing certain animals due to concerns about chronic wasting disease. As a provincial program concludes, other hunters are contemplating a similar decision. The Saskatchewan government has opted to discontinue its chronic wasting disease testing initiative after experiencing low participation from hunters. This disease impacts the brains and nervous systems of cervids like deer, elk, and moose.
Erickson expressed his reluctance to risk his family’s safety, especially since his wife is immunocompromised, despite no recorded cases of the disease affecting humans. Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Erickson began hunting at a young age and has accumulated significant experience hunting in the prairies since relocating to Regina in the 1970s. He has contributed content to assist fellow hunters and has served as a guide in northern Saskatchewan and northern Alberta.
Although Erickson primarily hunts birds now due to the challenges of handling large game alone as he has aged, he mentioned he would hunt other animals if chronic wasting disease was not a concern. Criticism has arisen regarding the government’s decision to end the testing program, with Darrell Crabbe, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, emphasizing the program’s importance for ensuring the safety of meat consumption for hunters.
The Saskatchewan government stated that environment ministry staff will continue monitoring wildlife health and population through alternative methods. Chronic wasting disease has been detected in 63 of the province’s 83 wildlife zones since data collection began. Mandatory testing zones must submit samples by October 31 for processing, while samples from voluntary submission zones will not undergo testing.
Concerns have been raised about delays and effectiveness in the testing program logistics, with calls for improvements. Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, highlighted the surprise and disappointment over the program’s termination, stressing the significance of the information it provided. He emphasized the need for the government to address issues beyond data collection, such as transmission prevention and bans on baiting.
Crabbe noted the financial implications of ending the program and the potential repercussions on the hunting community. He urged the government to reinstate the program and establish a wildlife advisory committee for improved coordination in the future. Despite the challenges, Erickson expressed his desire to continue hunting in the area and emphasized the importance of addressing the chronic wasting disease issue effectively.
