Date: May 16, 2002
Contact: Peter J. Gerl, Executive Director

Whitetails Unlimited announced today its support of banning the baiting and feeding of wild whitetail deer in Wisconsin, in order to halt the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The decision was approved at a Board meeting on May 15.

"CWD is a very serious problem, and all of the health and wildlife experts are in agreement that this will help contain the spread of the disease," said Peter J. Gerl, executive director of Whitetails Unlimited. "Whatever your ethical stance is concerning baiting or feeding, the health of the entire deer herd is threatened. Its just common sense that you should do whatever is possible to control the spread of the disease from one deer to another," Gerl said.

Gerl noted the unanimity of opinion of the health and wildlife professionals involved--scientists, wildlife biologists and veterinarians, from different agencies and states--that deer congregating in artificial feeding areas is a likely transmission point for CWD. Whitetails Unlimited feels that additional measures, such as banning the intrastate transfer of captive deer and elk, should be implemented when there is a firm scientific basis for the action.

Whitetails Unlimited had previously not had an official position on the baiting and feeding issue, as it is understood to be a difference in hunting style based on tradition, regional inclination and personal preference. But "This disease has changed the equation," Gerl said. "Nothing bad will happen, to either the deer herd or hunting, if baiting and feeding stop. If it doesn't stop, it could be a factor in helping spread a devastating disease. It's a very small price to pay to help preserve the deer herd, and the American tradition of deer hunting."

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Whitetails Unlimited is a national non-profit conservation organization, founded in 1982 with headquarters in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. With over 300 chapters, Whitetails Unlimited offers sportsmen and women a Grassroots Program for supporting local conservation programs. On a national level, Whitetails Unlimited's mission is to support educational programs, habitat conservation and preservation of the hunting tradition. For more information, visit our web site at http://www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or call (920) 743-6777.