The Wisconsin Deer Hunters Association (WDHA) is extremely disappointed that the Assembly Natural Resource Committee today objected to the proposed DNR deer baiting and feeding rule on the grounds that the proposed rule is arbitrary and capricious, and imposes an undue hardship. "How can anyone say the rule is arbitrary and capricious when we know that these practices spread diseases and are harmful to deer?" says WDHA President Mark Toso. "I am amazed at how little many legislators actually know about CWD, or that they had no idea this action allows baiting and feeding statewide, even inside the eradication zone. They are essentially condemning the rest of the state to CWD" he continues.

"Every credible scientific organization in the world believes that CWD is spread orally, yet the people running this state would rather believe the junk science pushed by a minority of people with a financial interest in feeding and baiting deer " says Toso. "It just proves that money talks in politics" he continues. "The legislature is willing to jeopardize the entire deer herd so a small group of people can make a few extra dollars."

Chairman Johnsrud allowed the voting to take place under tremendous pressure from leaders in the Republican party, all who have an axe to grind with the DNR. This action, along with cuts to the stewardship fund and denial of license fee increases highlights an obvious attack on the DNR for political reasons. The budget crisis is being used as a convenient excuse to cripple the DNR, meanwhile the sportsmen and women of this state are going to pay the price.

Undisputed proof on how CWD is spread is just around the corner, and will clearly show how foolish this action really was. "Someday there will be a list of the dirty dozen who ignored science and allowed CWD to spread to the rest of the state. The members of this committee who voted against the rule and the leaders of the Republican party will be on the top of the list. The WDHA will not allow this action to be forgotten, or the blame placed elsewhere. The legislature just did what all the anti-hunters couldn't, they just assured the end of deer hunting in our lifetime" states Toso.

The WDHA is a group of conservation minded deer enthusiasts whose mission is to promote scientific and ecological based deer management in Wisconsin. Our philosophy is do what's best for the resource, as we believe that is ultimately what's best for the deer hunter.

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