The Role of Risk Perceptions in Hunter Support for Deer Density Reduction as a Chronic Wasting (CWD) Management Strategy in Wisconsin

• Main Author: Cooney, Erin E.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources 2021
• Subjects: Dane; Alces alces
• Online Access: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/81195

This thesis is written in 2 chapters and each will be submitted to different journals for publication. Stylistic formatting follows guidelines for the Journal of Wildlife Management and Human Dimensions of Wildlife. Duplication of figures and material in the Introduction, Study Area, Methods, Analysis, and Results is intentional. On February 28, 2002, scientists made a discovery in southern Wisconsin that would have a profound impact on the hunting culture in the state. Three male whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvested in Dane County, Wisconsin tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). First identified in mule deer (O. hemionus) in a wildlife research facility in Colorado in 1967, CWD has since been identified in free-ranging and captive Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni), mule deer, and white-tailed deer in at least 14 states, 2 provinces and South Korea (Mathiason et al. 2006, Williams et al. 2002). In 2005, CWD was found in a hunter harvested free-ranging moose in Colorado (Alces alces) (Colorado Division of Wildlife 2005). TSEs are a group of diseases caused by abnormal, proteinaceous agents known as prions that form lesions on the brain and inevitably result in death (Williams and Barker 2001). Researchers have found that prions have the potential to persist in the environment for up to two years and can be transmitted through saliva, blood, placental fluid, feces and urine (Mathiason et al. 2006, Miller et al. 2000, Williams and Barker 2001). The potential ability for prions to persist in the environment allows for both direct and indirect transmission between and among susceptible cervid populations (Williams et al. 2002). To decrease direct and indirect contact with the disease, managers in states and provinces with CWD have designed management plans focused around reducing deer densities. Following the lead of other states (i.e., CO, WY, SD) and provinces (i.e., Saskatchewan, Alberta) impacted by CWD, Wisconsin banned feeding and baiting of deer where CWD is present, initiated intense surveillance and testing programs, practiced random and selective culling and conducted hunter harvest-based surveys (Williams et al. 2002). In addition, Wisconsin created three disease management zones (Eastern Disease Eradication Zone, Western Disease Eradication Zone, and the Herd Reduction Zone). Of particular interest has been the western disease eradication zone (DEZ) which encompasses the core area where CWD was first discovered in the state. Within these three zones, Wisconsin wildlife managers set a goal of eradicating CWD from the deer herd. The goal within the boundaries of the DEZ is to reduce deer densities to 5-deer/square mile as a means of reducing the frequency of contacts between infected and susceptible deer. Since the discovery of CWD in the state, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has asked deer hunters to reduce deer densities within the DEZ. In pursuit of this objective, gun season lengths were extended and liberal harvest quotas were employed to encourage hunters to harvest as many deer as possible. Unfortunately, recreational hunters have not significantly reduced deer densities (R. Rolley, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, unpublished data) within the DEZ despite extended season lengths and liberal harvest regulations. While managers continue to express concern over the potential risks and impacts of CWD, hunters express minimal concern over the potential risks posed to deer populations and humans from CWD and are more concerned about the future of deer hunting (Holsman 2005, Holsman and Petchenik 2006, Holsman and Smail 2006). The apparent lack of concern on the part of hunters for the presence of CWD in the state and reluctance to reduce deer densities has and will continue to have implications for the management of CWD in the state. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources