After months of talking with interested citizens and hunting and wildlife stakeholders and reviewing the best available science regarding chronic wasting disease, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is set to present CWD recommendations to the Natural Resources Commission at its next monthly meeting Thursday, June 14, in Lansing. Recommendations will be presented during Committee of the Whole.
Some of the recommendations from link above:
1. Restrictions on The Possession and Use of Natural Cervid Urine-Based Lures and Attractants – Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease caused by the transmission of infectious, self-mutating proteins (prions) contained in the body and fluids of infected cervids that causes degeneration of the central nervous system of those same species. Although nervous system tissue and lymphatic tissues have the highest infectivity, these prions are also found in blood, feces and urine of infected cervids. Susceptible cervids can acquire CWD by direct exposure to these fluids or from environments contaminated with these fluids. Deer urine is used by hunters and sportspersons as an attractant and cover scent, with most commercially made products originating from POC facilities. This market is unregulated, and thus to take a pro-active approach to reduce the risk of spread or introduction of CWD to a new area, the Department recommends restricting the possession and use of non-synthetic cervid urine-based lures and attractants while hunting or trapping game species. Only synthetic cervid urine-based lures or attractants or natural cervid urine-based lures or attractants that are labeled with the official ATA (Archery Trade Association) Seal of Participation will be legal.
2. Baiting and Feeding Ban – Effective January 31, 2019 – Baiting is a popular practice among Michigan hunters, and its popularity has risen over the last few decades. However, research suggests that the relationships between baiting, feeding, and CWD transmission is in the risks associated with congregating animals. While natural food sources also congregate wildlife, human activities such as baiting or feeding do so at rates above natural sources, therefore the risk of transmitting CWD increases. The risks of congregating animals around bait and feed increases the probability of direct contact between infected and noninfected animals, and it also increases the risks of contaminating the food source or the surrounding environment. Therefore, the Department recommends instituting a baiting and feeding ban effective January 31, 2019, for the Lower Peninsula. A delayed implementation provides opportunity for those with economic interests to shift business models for next year.
3. Baiting Exception for Hunters with Disabilities – According to the Michigan Deer Harvest Survey Report, hunters with disabilities are, generally, some of the least satisfied hunters in Michigan. Although efforts have been made over the last decade to establish special hunt dates, equipment permits, and accessibility provisions, the success rate for hunters with disabilities continues to remain low compared to other hunters. The NRC and the Department received public input from hunters with disabilities regarding the use of bait. Hunters with disabilities rely on bait for the purposes of successfully harvesting a deer. The Department recommends granting a baiting exception for qualified hunters with disabilities outside of the 13-County CWD Management Zone and Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Management Zone (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda counties) during the Liberty and Independence Hunts. Baiting would be limited to current regulations, allowing only two gallons of bait per site, distributed across a 10’x10’ area, and baiting may only occur from the first day of the season to the last day of the season. All bait must be removed from the area prior to any additional hunting during the rest of the season.
The department’s recommendations are the result of a six-month-long public engagement effort, during which DNR staff and NRC members met with people around the state, hosted 11 public meetings, and offered online survey and comment opportunities. The recommendations are being presented for information to the commission, as part of the public input process.
The NRC will review, discuss and possibly modify recommendations before making a final decision at a future commission meeting. Comments may be submitted to the commission via email at NRC@michigan.gov.
“The DNR and the Natural Resources Commission appreciate the high level of engagement from our customers, partners and stakeholders, and the willingness to
co-create strategies to address CWD,” said DNR Director Keith Creagh. “We look forward to continued engagement and cooperation as we move into hunting season this fall.”
CWD is a fatal neurological (brain and nervous system) disease found in cervids – deer, elk and moose. The disease attacks the brains of infected animals and produces small lesions that result in death. There is no cure; once an animal is infected, it will die. Initially, CWD was first discovered in Michigan in a free-ranging deer in May 2015. Since that time, CWD has been confirmed in deer in five Michigan counties: Clinton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm.
The Natural Resources Commission meeting will take place June 14 at the Lansing Community College Downtown Campus, Health and Human Services Department, 515 North Washington Square, Conference Room HHS 005-0078.
The full meeting’s draft agenda includes the following.
8 a.m. – Committee on Finance and Administration
- 2018 spend plans for DNR Fisheries and Wildlife divisions.
- An update on 2017/2018 CWD spending.
- The DNR’s 2019 budget, if completed by the meeting.
9 a.m. – Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee
- A presentation of Belle Isle’s strategic management plan and 2017 annual report.
- General updates on the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, the department’s camping cancellation policy and the Oakland County ORV planning process.
12:30 p.m. – Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries
- A review of fall fishing regulations.
- Deer harvest survey report for the 2017 seasons.
- An update on antlerless license quotes and CWD regulations.
2 p.m. – Committee of the Whole
- DNR director’s report, including updates on CWD, the 2019 budget and the Blue Ribbon Advisory Group on State Game Areas.
- A legislative report.
- NRC committee reports.
Immediately following the Committee of the Whole, the commission will receive public comments. To register for public comment, contact Cheryl Nelson, executive assistant to the commission, at 517-284-6237 or nelsonc@michigan.gov. Those registering by 5 p.m. Friday, June 8, will be allowed up to five minutes to address the commission. Those registering after June 8 or at the meeting will be allowed up to three minutes. Registration cards will be available at the meeting.
Following public comments, the commission is scheduled to vote on statewide trout, salmon, whitefish, lake herring and smelt regulations, as well as Wildlife Conservation Order amendments governing furbearer regulations, squirrel and falconry season dates, and open/closed deer management units. Director Creagh then is expected to approve the results of the May 2018 oil and gas lease auction, as well as several land transactions.
For more information about the Natural Resources Commission, including full agendas and meeting minutes, visit michigan.gov/nrc.