Wisconsin Senate Bill SB30

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/23
• Refer: 2/3/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Restrictions on baiting deer in counties based on chronic wasting disease or bovine tuberculosis.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to have significant implications for deer management practices in Wisconsin. By modifying the basis for baiting restrictions to only encompass confirmed cases in free-roaming animals, the bill could increase opportunities for hunters and businesses related to deer hunting, which is a substantial industry in the state. Additionally, limiting the restriction duration—36 months for confirmed cases in the affected county and 24 months for areas within 10 miles of a confirmed case—provides clearer guidelines for hunters and landowners.

Summary

Senate Bill 30 aims to amend existing statutes regarding restrictions on deer baiting in Wisconsin counties affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD) and bovine tuberculosis (bTB). The bill stipulates that any rules established by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must specifically relate to confirmed cases of CWD or bTB found in free-roaming animals, rather than including cases from captive animals. This change seeks to narrow the criteria under which baiting can be restricted, focusing management efforts on cases verified in wildlife populations that could more directly impact the spread of disease in local deer herds.

Contention

Opposition to SB30 may arise primarily from wildlife conservation advocates and stakeholders concerned about the potential resurgence of CWD and bTB among deer populations. Critics argue that easing baiting restrictions could facilitate the spread of these diseases, ultimately jeopardizing deer health and, by extension, affecting hunting and wildlife tourism industries. The bill represents a shift towards more localized management practices, raising questions about the balance between hunting interests and public health considerations regarding wildlife diseases.