Quote:
Originally Posted by marky_mark
Sigh?
Ok there jt...
Did you count to 20 before you wrote you next sentence too?
Ok so explain why all these mule deer records have been broke in the cwd years?
Deer are still reaching maturity
I’ve shot a few mule deer that were positive for cwd and they were all asymptomatic
They have yet to determine exactly how cwd is spread. Widespread eradication hasn’t slowed it down.
There is no solution for how to deal with cwd
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Yes, I sighed, because mocking is a common tactic on this forum...or more likely, any online community. If we were having these discussions around a campfire, I’m sure we’d all get along better.
That aside, none of your points change the fact that CWD is a progressive, fatal disease in ungulates that will reduce their life expectancy. Mortality from CWD is cumulative with other mortality factors, and may also increase death from non-CWD causes. The net effect is fewer bucks surviving to get old and big. This is not good for outfitters, or any hunters who seek big mule deer. Unless the effect of CWD is reduced, or we shift our expectations, the best years for mule deer trophy hunting in Alberta are likely behind us.
I maintain that, for the reasons given, outfitters will not behave in the best interests of mule deer management if it means trading-off near term business viability. This is expected, and I don’t fault them for that. I would act the same in their position. The fault is the system which led to game allocations being a tradeable, privately owned commodity. Never should have happened.
Have a pleasant weekend, despite the stormy weather.