Saskatchewan’s premier says the provincial government is now reviewing its decision to terminate its testing program for chronic wasting disease (CWD). While speaking to reporters in Saskatoon on Tuesday, Moe said members of his caucus have been consulting with hunters and other stakeholders as they chart their next move. “We certainly will have a look at that decision,” he said. “Not in the realm of maybe bringing it back to precisely what it was but is there a way for us to move forward, to have that service available for hunters across the province and those that pay to come here to hunt.” Moe noted the government’s decision to end its CWD testing program was made from a budgetary perspective. The province’s announcement of the program’s cancellation also cited “low uptake” of the program by hunters. According to the premier, his government would ideally like to provide the services without the financial burden solely falling on the province. “Is there a way for us to work to a better outcome where the service is available, but it isn’t a full ask of the Government of Saskatchewan?” Moe added. ‘Missing the boat’ John Perret, a Saskatoon area hunter, shared his concerns at an NDP event on Tuesday. Perret, who told reporters he has utilized CWD testing for the better part of three decades, said the province’s decision to cancel the program will have dire consequences. “I think the government of the day is missing the boat on keeping this program going,” Perret explained, adding he wouldn’t have entered the draw for this year’s hunting season had he known CWD testing would not be available. Perret said he worries the increase in uncertainty will negatively affect hunting and its associated trades and industries in the province. He pointed specifically to hunters who utilize butchers to process their meat. “We used to have our meat processed by butchers, and if they were going to butcher your animal, they required a clear head,” he explained. “I would think those butchers now are not even going to touch it if they don’t have any proof that its not CWD contaminated. So, there’s a lot of spin-offs here.” Perret says a lack of awareness and testing will allow the disease to spread unchecked. If the program does not return, Perret says his hunting days may be in the rearview mirror. “There’s one person in particular [in my hunting group] who said adamantly that he will not hunt if this is the case,” he explained. “So that will be the end for him. I think it may be the end for me.” The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation has previously said the province’s decision came as a complete surprise and with no consultation. The organization is calling for the program to be reinstated prior to its cancellation date of Oct. 31. In its response following the announcement, the federation also questioned why the program would be getting cut for financial reasons, given more than $300,000 of its $450,000 price tag comes from the province’s Fish and Wildlife Development Fund – which is partially funded by the revenues of hunting and angling licences. Saskatchewan is a hot spot for chronic wasting disease, mostly seen in deer. During last year’s hunting season, 362 positive cases were identified, about one in every 10 animals tested. Since 2000, CWD has been found in 63 of the province’s 83 wildlife management zones. Samples from mandatory testing zones that are submitted on or before Oct. 31 will still be processed. CWD drop-off kiosks will be closed Nov. 2. With files from Wayne Mantyka
