Ken Erickson, a seasoned hunter in Saskatchewan since 1971, halted his pursuit of certain animals due to concerns over chronic wasting disease. With the provincial program discontinuing, other hunters are contemplating following suit.
The Saskatchewan government opted to terminate its chronic wasting disease testing initiative citing low participation from hunters. This disease impacts the brains and nervous systems of cervids, including deer, elk, and moose.
Erickson, mindful of his immunocompromised wife’s safety, emphasized the absence of recorded cases of the disease in humans as a key factor in his decision to cease hunting activities that could potentially expose his family to risks.
Originating from Thunder Bay, Ont., Erickson, who became a hunter at a young age, has amassed significant hunting experience on the prairies since relocating to Regina in the ’70s. He has shared hunting insights with fellow enthusiasts and served as a guide in northern Saskatchewan and northern Alberta.
While continuing to hunt primarily for birds, Erickson acknowledged the challenges of handling large game alone as he aged. Expressing a desire to hunt deer again if not for the CWD risk, he criticized the decision to end the testing program as politically rather than science-based.
Darrell Crabbe, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, highlighted the critical role the testing program played in ensuring the safety of consumed meat for some hunters, emphasizing its importance in the community.
Despite the program’s termination, the government assured that environment ministry staff would utilize alternative methods to monitor wildlife health and population. Notably, the disease has been detected in 63 of Saskatchewan’s 83 wildlife zones.
With samples from mandatory testing zones still being processed until October 31, voluntary submission zones will not undergo testing. Crabbe mentioned receiving samples throughout the year at the wildlife federation center in Moose Jaw, although there were criticisms regarding program logistics and efficiency.
Expressing surprise at the abrupt program termination, Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, stressed the need to address challenges rather than discontinuing critical initiatives. He underscored the importance of continuous data collection to combat the disease effectively.
As concerns mount within the hunting community over the potential repercussions of the program’s cancellation, pressure is mounting on the government to reinstate the initiative. Calls have been made for the creation of a wildlife advisory committee to enhance coordination in 2027.
Erickson, disappointed by the decision, emphasized the necessity of addressing the problem while expressing a desire to continue hunting in the region.