CWD in PA

[3212]

CWD has spread into southcentral PA from West Virginia/western Maryland area.It has moved up through a ridge and valley area and been found in three separate areas of Bedford and Blair counties.If it moves 30 miles east I will lose my hunting grounds of 40 years.

 

[vabeachman]

i hunt susquehanna county. I hope its not there.

 

[Outlaw Man]

Forgive my ignorance - we don't have it here - is it common for that to effect hunting? You can't catch it from eating the meat, and if anything, I would think you'd want to increase hunting to try to erradicate carriers.

 

[3212]

The PA Game Commision states in this years regulations that Wisconsin's situation most resembles PA's.After 10 years of exposure 25% of their bucks have CWD and its always fatal.So they die out slowly or we shoot all we can.Either way the herd declines.Plus, the health officials can't prove it affects humans at this time.But they recommend you do not consume it.I won't eat meat from deer that may be infected.

 

[Outlaw Man]

What I read is the recommendation not to eat parts that carry the prions - brain, lymph nodes, etc. I admittedly could have missed something.

I understand you're killing a lot, but, at least in the similar diseases, it can be inherited, so killing them could help prevent passing it on. Just a thought.

Not a good situation, either way.

 

[buck460XVR]

The PA Game Commision states in this years regulations that Wisconsin's situation most resembles PA's.After 10 years of exposure 25% of their bucks have CWD and its always fatal.So they die out slowly or we shoot all we can.Either way the herd declines.Plus, the health officials can't prove it affects humans at this time.But they recommend you do not consume it.I won't eat meat from deer that may be infected.

PA's comments resemble Wisconsin's ten years ago. But.....Herd heath and population is a high as ever. Every year thanks to quality management the number of four and five year old bucks taken increases. In the southern part of the state where CWD was first discovered they had a 100 day season with no limit to try and kill off all deer there before the disease spread. Deer numbers are not much different now than they were before. Now they have bonus buck and doe tags and a late season holiday hunt. But overall kill is about the same. Most folks only have so much time to hunt and can only eat so much venison. First few years after CWD was discovered carcasses were found everywhere cause folks threw out the meat outta fear of eating it. Local food pantries were over-run with folks donating venison they were afraid to eat themselves. Now, everyone eats their venison and no-one has gotten sick. How long CWD was around before it was discovered no-body knows. It wasn't found till they started looking for it. Part of the problem is the increased populations in the last thirty years contributing to the spread. When deer numbers were lower and deer more spread out, the direct contact needed to spread the disease was not always there. High numbers of deer in the woods makes for a fun hunt, but does not promote good herd health. Despite all the fears, there are not deer by the thousands staggering around and falling over dead here in Wisconsin. Most folks have yet to see a deer manifesting severe symptoms. Could be like before....coyotes or bear gets 'em first. While one needs to be concerned and try to avoid the spread of exposure, deer hunting as you know it will not change. Transportation of carcasses, handling of carcass remains after butchering and the feeding and baiting of deer will probably change, but not much else. The meat is still safe to eat and deer will not resemble Zombies in the woods. Hunt, enjoy and be safe.