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Hunters' CWD concerns waning, state agency says
By Rocky Mtn News Staff
September 30, 2003
The Colorado Division of Wildlife receives between 500 and 1,000 calls a day, but few big-game hunters are as concerned this year about chronic wasting disease as in past years.
Mostly, it's routine matters - the new electronic licensing system and how to get leftover deer and elk licenses, said Jeanette Scherbarth, assistant supervisor of the division's communications center.
"I think people are starting to feel safer over CWD, and the big concerns of past years are starting to slow down," she said.
"Those who do have a question to ask about CWD want to know whether any positive animals were taken in the area they want to hunt.
"But there still are a few who wonder if there is reason to worry."
CWD is a neurological disorder that attacks the brain of elk and deer and causes death. It is in the same family of illnesses as mad cow disease.
However, there have been no known cases of humans contracting chronic wasting disease by eating a deer or elk.
"I think people are feeling safer now because they know the disease has been around for a long time and nobody has come down with it," Scherbarth said.
Last year, there were 229,629 elk licenses and 80,087 deer licenses sold in Colorado, which is about average.
So far this year, the state has sold 150,665 elk licenses and 92,153 deer licenses, which is slightly above average.
By Rocky Mtn News Staff
September 30, 2003
The Colorado Division of Wildlife receives between 500 and 1,000 calls a day, but few big-game hunters are as concerned this year about chronic wasting disease as in past years.
Mostly, it's routine matters - the new electronic licensing system and how to get leftover deer and elk licenses, said Jeanette Scherbarth, assistant supervisor of the division's communications center.
"I think people are starting to feel safer over CWD, and the big concerns of past years are starting to slow down," she said.
"Those who do have a question to ask about CWD want to know whether any positive animals were taken in the area they want to hunt.
"But there still are a few who wonder if there is reason to worry."
CWD is a neurological disorder that attacks the brain of elk and deer and causes death. It is in the same family of illnesses as mad cow disease.
However, there have been no known cases of humans contracting chronic wasting disease by eating a deer or elk.
"I think people are feeling safer now because they know the disease has been around for a long time and nobody has come down with it," Scherbarth said.
Last year, there were 229,629 elk licenses and 80,087 deer licenses sold in Colorado, which is about average.
So far this year, the state has sold 150,665 elk licenses and 92,153 deer licenses, which is slightly above average.
