Letter in support of restrictions on import of deer and elk carcasses from CWD areas

Jeff Herbert, Asst. Administrator
Wildlife Division, MDFWP
1420 East Sixth Avenue
Helena, MT 59620-0701

July 14, 2003

Dear Jeff:

The Montana Bowhunters Association supports the proposed regulation to restrict the importation of deer and elk carcasses and parts into Montana from states or countries with a diagnosed case of Chronic Wasting Disease. This proposal affords protection to our deer and elk herds as well as Montana's agricultural industry.

The rapid and uncontrolled spread of Chronic Wasting Disease has infected wildlife in several states and Canadian provinces. Until research can document the actual risk of disease transmission through infected carcasses, it seems the only prudent course of action to employ is to prohibit the importation of deer and elk carcasses and parts into Montana unless certified CWD free.

The protection of wildlife habitat and the preservation of a healthy environment are vital to the future of Montana. The improper deposal of infected deer and elk byproducts from processing poses the risk of contamination to our water and soils. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has prohibited the growing of grain or raising of livestock on lands that have been exposed to CWD, resulting in significant economic loses to Canadian farmers.

It is inherently important to safeguard our hunting heritage. Hunters and fishermen spent more than $550 million on recreation in Montana last year, supporting 12,000 jobs. The negative economic effect of an outbreak of CWD in Montana would be disastrous to a large number of businesses and services connected with hunting and other wildlife related activities. The risk of infecting our wild, free ranging big game populations with CWD through exposure to potentially infected deer and elk brought into Montana from CWD infected areas is unacceptable.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,

Charlie Johnson, President
Montana Bowhunters Association