Later this month, a panel of Indiana lawmakers will discuss whether to allow farmers to continue to ship deer into the state.

The 14-member Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Study Committee will meet Aug. 19 to discuss and hear testimony about the contentious issues surrounding the captive deer industry. The industry primarily breeds animals with enormous antlers to supply fenced hunting preserves.

The panel will take up “shooting preserves” regulation and disease risks associated with importing deer and other animals, according to a meeting notice posted today.

Senate President Pro Tempore David Long called for a study session this spring in the wake of an Indianapolis Star investigation that several wildlife researchers call the most comprehensive examination of the issues surrounding deer farming and high-fence hunting to date.

Wildlife officials across the country say there is compelling circumstantial evidence that captive deer farms and hunting preserves have spread disease, as deer are shipped across state lines to be killed in the private preserves.

Of particular concern is chronic wasting disease, an brain disorder similar to mad cow that is always fatal to deer. It has been found in 22 states. The Star’s investigation revealed that in half of those states, CWD was found first in a commercial deer operation.

There is no effective live test for the disease, and wildlife officials across the country say escapes are common.

Citing the risk of introducing disease, 21 states have banned the importation of captive deer. Six members of Congress, citing The Star’s investigation, urged federal agricultural officials to ban the interstate movement of captive deer, saying a national industry that breeds bucks with large antlers to be shot in “canned” hunts, isn’t worth the risks.

Indiana has close to 400 deer farms and a handful of fenced deer-hunting preserves. The hunting facilities are currently operating without oversight from state wildlife officials.

The panel session be held at 10 a.m. in room 404 of the Indiana Statehouse on West Washington Street.

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/...um mer+study+session+set+on+captive+deer

Hope somebody goes to this. I am unable to attend due to a V.A. appointment.

I'll be there Jack..... I have to see IDNR speak, that is as rare a grouse in Indiana.

It just needs resolved at this point, one way or the other. The emotions need to be left behind and focus should be on how to deal with disease risk and whether the DNR has authority over the rules and regulations related to the business, if the businesses are to be allowed in Indiana.

webinar address:

http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2014/meeting/watchlive/72604b10-1290-4287-aa70-694706661a1b/