Feeding Bambi Would be Banned Under bill

[The Straight Story]

Feeding Bambi Would be Banned Under bill

Bismarck, ND

Hunters are the target of a legislative proposal to ban baiting of big game, but it would also stop people who just want to feed deer.

Senator Curtis Olafson of Edinburg is sponsoring the plan. A similar bill was defeated two years ago after complaints mostly from bow hunters and hunting guides. Olafson says he`s worried about disease that could affect big game and livestock. He says the bill would not serve its purpose if it didn`t include a ban on feeding as well as baiting.

Western North Dakota hunting guide Willard Swanke says he`s opposed to the ban. He says baiting is not harmful and it allows people with disabilities to have a successful hunt. Swanke says his son is confined to a wheelchair, and was able to shoot a deer and antelope with baiting

http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=26312

[anonymous171]

1. Feeding deer is not a good idea. nt

[ogneopasno]

2. Why should people with disabilities be "guaranteed" with a successful hunt? What a stupid reason.

Anything that bans deer baiting and feeding is fine with me.

[atreides1]

5. Picture this

A blind man with a hunting bow.:)

[nykym]

7. At first it sounded

scary - it still does but it happens.

http://www.zuluafrikasafaris.co.za/hunters-editorials.htm

see story # 4.

[ogneopasno]

8. Some legally blind people can hunt; I just don't understand why this guy thinks people with

handicaps absolutely must have a "successful" hunt when they go out.

[Recursion]

3. Look, it's simple: don't feed wild animals

Why is that so hard to grasp? Do not accustom wild animals to human presence. Roadkill, Lyme disease, and ruined horticulture are only a few of the lovely consolation prizes you win for failing to follow that rule.

[whoneedstickets]

4. Baiting can be done naturally...

If you own the land you can simply encourage the growth of the types of plant deer prefer to eat (typically those already native to the area). The concept is just planting a hummingbird or butterfly garden - simple enviro-friendly solution.

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

6. Dad plants a couple rows of wheat down past his garden every year.

[BlooInBloo]

9. People would also be able to shoot deer more easily if you just tied them to a tree....

I appreciate disabilities and all, but come on.

[AngryAmish]

10. Go away, I'm 'baiting.

[Muttocracy]

11. already that way in NY - don't feed the deer:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7197.html

Why did DEC place restrictions on deer feeding?

The rule was issued in response to the threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) being introduced into New York. The nature of CWD requires prompt and extraordinary actions to address the threat posed by this disease. The purpose of this rule is to prevent the introduction of this disease into New York, to restrict those activities that may increase the risk of the development or spread of CWD in New York and to protect the health of wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in New York.

Feeding deer artificially concentrates them in one location for extended periods of time. CWD is most likely transmitted from deer to deer by direct contact between animals, or indirectly through contact with waste food, urine, and feces that build up at feeding sites, although the exact transmittal mechanism is currently unknown. Although CWD has not been found in New York, this measure is a precaution to help prevent the spread of CWD if it already exists in the state, or if it is introduced later. The incubation period for CWD can be three years or longer, and an outbreak among white-tailed deer at feeding sites could spread the disease before clinically-ill individuals are observed. This would greatly hamper efforts to control the disease. Other diseases, such as Bovine Tuberculosis, can also be spread quickly at feeding sites, where animals are in close contact with each other and with waste products every day.

Another risk associated with deer feeding is the possibility that the infectious agent of CWD could be present in commercial feeds. Some commercial livestock feed may be produced using rendered animal parts, which could contain the infectious agent. If the agent is present in these foods it could infect any deer that eats the food. Federal regulations in effect since 1997 require feeds containing mammalian protein to be labeled to prohibit them from being fed to any ruminants, including deer and elk. The DEC regulation mirrors this restriction to call attention to the special risk associated with misuse of feeds not intended for ruminants.