As the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) continues to threaten deer populations across the country, Kentucky lawmakers are considering an important piece of legislation that could play a key role in managing this deadly disease and safeguarding the future of deer hunting in the state. The National Deer Association (NDA) supports the introduction of Kentucky House Bill 700 (HB 700), which is currently awaiting a vote in the full House of Representatives, outlines new boundaries for a CWD Surveillance Zone and places critical measures on the movement of captive cervids to help prevent further spread of the disease.
What is House Bill 700?
House Bill 700 outlines CWD Surveillance Zone around areas where CWD has been detected in wild deer populations. The bill sets out a 30-mile radius from any known CWD detection point, within which the movement of cervid carcass parts and wild cervids would be closely monitored and regulated. However, the bill also takes into account counties where less than 10% of the land area falls within that 30-mile radius. In those counties, the CWD Surveillance Zone designation would not apply.
Importantly, the bill includes a sunset provision: if no new CWD detections occur in the Surveillance Zone for five consecutive years, the zone designation would expire. This gives a clear path forward for areas where CWD has not been detected in years.
Additionally, HB 700 establishes limits on the movement of captive cervids, or farmed deer. If CWD is detected at a facility, the bill would prohibit the movement of these animals outside of a 10-mile radius from the facility. However, the bill does not restrict interstate movement of cervids, and it includes provisions for allowing deer parts to be moved and for breeding operations to continue within a single facility.
Furthermore, a committee substitute, or amendment, was added to the bill, which added an important new provision– allowing captive deer farmers to build a secondary fence 10 feet inside the perimeter of their facility. This new fence would create a buffer zone between wild deer and captive herds. If the secondary fence is installed before a CWD detection within 10 miles of the facility, the operator would be allowed to export captive cervids to other facilities within Kentucky. This exemption is designed to help protect both wild and captive deer populations while offering some flexibility to deer farmers. The amendment also included an emergency clause, which means the law would be immediately implemented once signed into law.
Why Is HB 700 Important?
CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and other members of the cervid family. It is spread primarily through contact with infected animals’ bodily fluids and carcasses, and it poses a serious threat to deer populations and hunting opportunities. By regulating the movement of cervids and their parts, HB 700 provides a strong framework for managing the disease and preventing its spread.
The legislation is also a key step in preserving hunting opportunities in Kentucky. As CWD continues to spread, deer hunters are seeing more restrictions and changes to hunting regulations. By establishing clear rules and protocols for CWD management, HB 700 helps ensure that deer hunting remains viable and sustainable for years to come.
Take Action Now
After passing the House Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee, HB 700 now awaits a floor vote in the full House of Representatives. If it passes the House, it will move on to the state Senate for consideration.
NDA encourages Kentucky hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to contact their state legislators and express support for HB 700. Legislators need to hear from you that this bill is crucial for both the health of Kentucky’s deer populations and the future of hunting in the state.
As a hunter, your voice is essential in ensuring that this bill becomes law. Take action now and contact your local legislator expressing your support for HB 700 and encourage your fellow hunters to contact their legislators as well. HB 700 is a significant step in the right direction for Kentucky’s wildlife management and deer hunting future. By taking action now, we can ensure that Kentucky remains a prime destination for hunters while managing the threat of CWD effectively. With your help, we can ensure that Kentucky continues to have healthy deer herds and strong hunting traditions for generations to come.