I am writing as a concerned constituent regarding Senate Bill 2137 (SB2137), which is currently being considered in the North Dakota legislature. If passed, this bill would remove the North Dakota Department of Fish and Wildlife's (NDFWD) authority to regulate the use of supplemental feeding and baiting—critical tools in managing Chronic wasting disease (CWD) and protecting our state’s deer populations.

Why This Bill is a Threat:

SB2137 would strip the NDFWD of its ability to regulate practices like baiting and supplemental feeding. These practices are essential in controlling the spread of CWD, and without the department's authority to manage them, the risk of disease transmission will increase due to the artificial congregation of wildlife.

This bill undermines the science-based wildlife management strategies that have protected our wildlife for years. Removing the department's authority to regulate feeding practices puts the health of our deer population at serious risk and could lead to a decline in both the population and future hunting opportunities in our state.

What I Ask of You:

Please vote against SB2137 and support policies that enable the NDFWD to use scientific methods to manage wildlife health, including regulating baiting and supplemental feeding. This bill removes critical management tools and undermines professional wildlife management in North Dakota.

CWD continues to be a growing threat, and we must ensure that our experts have the authority to act quickly and decisively. Please stand with responsible wildlife management and help keep North Dakota's deer herd healthy.

Thank you for your time and commitment to preserving the health of North Dakota’s wildlife.