BILLINGS — Montana’s wildlife officials are looking at more aggressive efforts to fight chronic wasting disease in the state.
According to a final draft management plan, proposed actions could include initiation of antlered-buck or either-sex mule deer seasons even where Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has been managing to reduce the buck harvest.
The Billings Gazette reports that the idea would be to substantially reduce the number of bucks, which are the main carriers of the disease, in hopes of reducing its spread.
Chronic wasting disease afflicts deer, elk, caribou and moose. There are no known risks to livestock or humans.
The changes are some of the more aggressive tactics that will be presented to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for its consideration at the group’s April 19 meeting in Helena.