Chronic Wasting Disease and Hunter Safety

Transcript:

With archery deer season starting back up again in Wisconsin, Representative Jacobson and I recently re-introduced our Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Prevention Package. CWD is a fatal neurological disease for deer that is transmitted directly through animal-to-animal contact as well as indirectly through contact with contaminated materials such as animal carcasses and saliva. 

Wisconsin had its first recorded case of CWD in 2002. At first the disease affected deer herds in southern Wisconsin, but now CWD has made its slow, inevitable spread up to the Chippewa Valley.

Without prevention, CWD will spread faster, kill more deer and threaten our ability to preserve Wisconsin’s deer hunting legacy. If passed, this legislation would strengthen CWD research, testing and disposal efforts across the state. 

Also, as hunters start to prepare for gun deer seasons this fall, every hunter should aim to have safety as their number one priority. 

Remember, at least 50% of clothing above the waist must be blaze orange or pink any time there is a firearm deer season in progress, and any head covering must be at least 50% blaze orange or pink. 

Make sure to follow the four rules of basic firearm safety. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be sure of your target and what's beyond it, and keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot. Furthermore, if you are hunting in a tree stand, always maintain the three points of contact.

Working together, we can stop the spread of CWD, have a safe hunt and enjoy Wisconsin’s hunting heritage. 

Thanks for listening.