Ken Erickson has been hunting in Saskatchewan since 1971, and one of the primary factors that led him to cease pursuing specific animals was chronic wasting disease.
As a provincial initiative concludes, other hunters are contemplating halting their activities as well.
The Saskatchewan government has opted to discontinue its chronic wasting disease testing program after several years, citing low participation rates from hunters. This illness impacts the brains and nervous systems of cervids, including deer, elk, and moose.
Erickson explains that although there have been no documented human cases of the disease, he is cautious as his wife has an immunocompromised condition, and he is unwilling to jeopardize his family’s health.
“I simply do not want to introduce that into my home. I’m not willing to take such risks,” he stated.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Erickson began hunting at the age of eight and was the first in his family to take up the sport.
Since relocating to Regina in the 1970s, he has acquired extensive experience hunting in the prairies. He has also produced educational content for fellow hunters and served as a guide in northern Saskatchewan and northern Alberta.
Erickson, who moved to Regina in 1971, emphasizes his reluctance to take chances with chronic wasting disease. (Submitted by Ken Erickson)
Erickson still participates in hunting, primarily for birds. He notes that as he has aged, managing large game has become increasingly challenging to do alone. Nevertheless, he would consider hunting other animals if CWD were not a concern.
“I would like to hunt deer again,” he remarked. “If this were solely a science-based choice, I would find it more justifiable. However, it appears to be more politically motivated.”
Others have expressed dissatisfaction with the province’s decision as well.
Darrell Crabbe, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, states that the testing program was essential for the community. For some hunters, including himself, it served as a safety measure to confirm that the meat was safe for consumption.
The province has stated that environment ministry personnel will continue to assess wildlife health and populations through alternative methods. (CBC News)
“For me, it’s one thing, but certainly not for my children, grandchildren, or friends,” Crabbe expressed regarding the risks.
The provincial government has indicated that environment ministry staff will persist in monitoring wildlife health and populations using different methods.
Since the province began gathering this data, the disease has been identified in 63 of Saskatchewan’s 83 wildlife zones.
Testing was compulsory in zones 43, 47, 49, 50, 53, and 55-69. The government has stated that samples submitted from mandatory testing zones by October 31 will still be processed.
However, samples submitted from voluntary zones will not undergo testing.
Crabbe mentioned that the wildlife federation center in Moose Jaw accepted samples all year, though there were complaints about the program’s logistics and effectiveness.
“Often, there are several weeks’ delays in receiving feedback,” he noted.
Ryan Brook, a professor in the animal and poultry science department at the University of Saskatchewan, discusses the province’s decision to terminate its Chronic Wasting Disease testing program on The 306.
“That was certainly something we were hoping would be addressed and expedited,” he added.
Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s animal and poultry science department, told CBC’s The 306 that while the program faced challenges, the decision to end it was unexpected.
“You don’t discontinue a program due to issues; you improve the program and keep it operational,” Brook stated.
“This information is crucial.”
He also mentioned that there was no prior consultation regarding the implications of halting the program.
“Hunters are astonished. They indicate that none of the hunting organizations were consulted. This decision came out of nowhere, right in the midst of the deer-hunting season.”
Erickson worries that hunters may now opt to abandon carcasses, which could heighten the risk of the disease spreading. He is also concerned that younger animals may become more frequently targeted, as there is a prevailing belief that they are less likely to carry the disease.
The potential consequences
Crabbe noted that 30 percent of the revenue from all hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses sold by the Saskatchewan government contributes to the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund, which allocates approximately $300,000 to $450,000 annually for the chronic wasting disease program.
As of Friday morning, he had received calls from hunters who have chosen to retire from hunting altogether following the announcement.
“I am receiving numerous conversations today where hunters express that if they cannot test their harvested animals, then it’s time for them to stop hunting.”
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Saskatchewan hunters take issue with plan to end chronic wasting disease testing
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Crabbe believes that the financial implications of this decision may not have been fully considered.
“Ultimately, the financial loss will far exceed the minimal investment they were making in chronic wasting disease management.”
Brook emphasizes that the government must take the issue seriously and commit to actions beyond mere data collection, such as banning baiting and addressing transmission concerns.
Researcher Ryan Brook noted that there was no consultation regarding the ramifications of cancelling the program. (Submitted by Ken Erickson)
Crabbe added that the hunting community is urging the government to reinstate the program and has called for the establishment of a wildlife advisory committee to enhance coordination for 2027.
“I’m disappointed. The better approach is to tackle the problem,” Erickson remarked. “I would still like to hunt in the area.”