Received from Indiana Wildlife Federation this morning:

"Looks like a canned hunting bill, HB1154, has been introduced again this short session. There have been some changes to the bill to try to assuage the opposition. There is nothing said about liability if disease occurs in the herd.

I’m playing telephone tag with the Attorney General’s office to get an update on the court appeal. Will let you know what I learn.

Another bit of information related to this is that the captive deer (~19-20) in Jackson County that were imported from a Pennsylvania farm and later found to be positive for CWD have been sacrificed and are being tested for CWD. The Board of Animal Health is required by law to indemnify the owner. BOAH does not have money in that fund and it’s my understanding the state budget agency is requiring DNR Div. of Fish and Wildlife to pay approximately half the cost, ~$10,000. This money comes directly from licenses sold, so the people engaged in hunting, fishing, trapping wild game are paying for captive deer disease testing.

Actions you can take now:

· Contact your State Representative http://district.iga.in.gov/DistrictLookup/ and let them know you oppose HB1154.

· Attend Conservation Day at the Statehouse January 28th. Make an appointment with your legislator to join you for a free lunch that day and tell him or her what you think. Here’s the link to register and see the details:http://www.indianawildlife.org/conservation-day-2014