http://www.indystar.com/story/news/...y-hitters-captive-deer-hearing/14239375/

Anyone going? I may.

I'll be there

Watching right now. Thanks for the link. This is pretty cool and very educational.

Me too. Could not make the meeting. CWD is nastier than I thought.

The experts were great and very informative. I am all for business but CWD is too great a risk to allow this type of business to operate in Indiana. When private hunting risk public hunting/interest it is the DNR's responsibility to step in and either regulate heavily or eradicate this type of business. The moral and ethical debate surrounding captive deer/hunting is a far second to the risk of actual disease spreading through the state.

Big, you comment hits the nail on the head in my opinion. Moral and ethical debates are simply that, debates. The disease risk is the real issue. Of course, this train of thought leads to a suggestion that if disease risk can be properly managed, then the business interest "could" top moral and ethical.

I agree there!!! I thought the contrast between how Wisconson handled the outbreak and Missouri was very interesting.

Best clarification to date on CWD and how it spreads, the scientific side, and the outcome if it goes get here.

Come on Bean, get a hobby! Just kidd'in, man. Long time, no see. How is everyone your way? I am realy ready for bow season. Did not get out much last year. Bought an old farm house and it consumed me. This year, the work will wait.
Max

Max, my wife says I have too many hobbies!!!! Glad you will be able to get back out there this season. Everyone here is fine. Taking Rachel to college this week, Reb. is a 10th grader and Luke, well, he just wants to shoot and catch everything right now. I could not have asked for a better huntin/fishin buddy.

Stay safe out there bro. Post some pics when you get em.

Rodney Bruce, high-fence operator, testifies about no disease risks, making no mention of the fact his preserve had TB-positive animals .....WTH... Lmao

The problem with the science is that it's just that, science. Some would argue that under tight controlled situations the disease risk is of no major concern. On the one hand, I'm sure the operators don't want the disease risk either but they might suggest that there is just as much disease risk when hunters bring back animals harvested in other states, even though in many situations that is unlawful. But everyone, literally everyone, will twist this to their intended benefit or desired outcome. I thought the gentleman's example of a day care situation was a poor choice because although we know that illness can and will spread more easily in a day care situation, Americans still use and reasonably embrace day care operations. I have my own feelings about these but my feelings are biased by personal definition of ethicals and risk. Hopefully the legislators will do the right thing, whatever that right this is without bias or politics, although that will never happen. I do believe the existing operators will comply with additional regulations if deemed necessary to control the risk.

Today write up from the Star...

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/...ss-deer-import-ban-feds-decide/14312391/

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/panel-studies-whether-to-regulate-deer-preserves
Quick overview from Channel 6

Legislators seldom do things for the right reason. the do things that will get them elected and keep them in power. Farm Bureau is lobbying hard behind the scenes for the industry. The do not fear the sportsmen and feel FB can help them more. The could care less about the deer herd or any natural resource unless it could come back to haunt them. Many like Ubelhour do not believe the disease will hurt the herd and several like Sean Eberhart are anti hunter/ natural resource they don't care about keeping out of the state. His reasoning Indiana is going to get it so why take steps to postpone it.

Any time we let the industry define itself with their lies we miss an opportunity to educate legislators and the public.

For the sake of trying to look at this from the "other side".

After thinking about this overnight, with the position taken by the federal agency, I have to admit that as a legislator I'd be left with a perplexing situation about the disease risk. Certainly, States often don't agree with various Federal agencies, but it leave one to question whether there is a manner in which regulations can monitor the facilities effectively. There will always be those who seek to bend, or break, the rules and when they do that the risk is even greater. But, when I think about other aspects of private business and various risks, there are many more serious risk threats then CWD that are monitored and managed. Now, having said all that, that addresses none of the aspects of ethical hunting behavior. I really don't want to see these high fenced operations but if I were a legislator, I'd let in a tough spot in making a decision. Indiana is very, very pro business (just look at the regulations on farmers, or the lack thereof, in regard to chemical run off and such) and if that is the prevailing mindset that this state wants, then it'd be hard to make a decision against these.