Protect Louisiana’s Deer Herd: Oppose HCR 4 and Defend Science-Based Management

HCR4

HUNTING/DEER: Suspen...

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Bill ID

HCR 4

TITLE

HUNTING/DEER: Suspends rules relative to chronic wasting disease (EG SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)

STATUS

Last Action on 02/27/2026: [House] Prefiled.

COMMITTEES

VERSIONS

HCR4 ORIGINAL HCR4 ENGROSSED

email advocacy

Protect Louisiana’s Deer Herd: Oppose HCR 4 and Defend Science-Based Management

Dear [Your Elected Official],

As a constituent and someone who values Louisiana’s wildlife and hunting heritage, I am writing to respectfully urge you to vote NO on House Concurrent Resolution 4 (HCR 4).

This legislation would suspend critical chronic wasting disease (CWD) regulations, including those governing baiting and supplemental feeding within designated CWD Control Areas, for 18 months. These safeguards are in place for a reason, and they are grounded in science and designed to slow the spread of a serious and irreversible disease affecting deer populations.

Research has consistently shown that baiting and feeding sites increase the risk of disease transmission by concentrating deer in unnaturally high densities and encouraging repeated use of the same areas. CWD spreads both through direct contact between animals and indirectly through environmental contamination, and once established, CWD prions have been shown to remain infectious in the environment for at least two years.

Maintaining current regulations in areas where CWD is already present is one of the most effective tools we have to manage and contain the disease. Suspending these measures, even temporarily, risks accelerating its spread into new areas and could have long-term consequences for Louisiana’s deer herd and our state’s strong hunting tradition.

I respectfully ask that you support science-based wildlife management and allow trained professionals to continue leading these efforts. Please vote NO on HCR 4.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City & State]

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Summary

A harmful bill has passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee and is now headed to the House floor. House Concurrent Resolution 4 (HCR 4) would suspend rules related to chronic wasting disease (CWD), specifically those governing baiting and supplemental feeding within CWD Control Areas, for 18 months, effective immediately. The National Deer Association (NDA) opposes this legislation due to the clear and well-documented risks that baiting and feeding sites pose to deer populations, particularly their role in exacerbating the spread of disease. Chronic wasting disease spreads both directly and indirectly. It can be transmitted between animals through saliva, blood, urine, and feces, and it can persist in the environment through contaminated soil, food, and water. Researchers have documented concentrations of infectious prions at bait sites in CWD-affected areas, confirming that the disease is both highly contagious and capable of sustaining itself within deer populations. Bait and feed sites concentrate deer in unnaturally high densities and encourage repeated use of the same small areas. These conditions significantly increase the likelihood of infected deer coming into contact with healthy ones. For these reasons, it is critical to maintain existing regulations, particularly within designated CWD Control Areas where the disease is already present. These measures are designed to slow its spread and protect the long-term health of Louisiana’s deer herd. Suspending these safeguards, even temporarily, risks accelerating the spread of CWD into currently unaffected areas and could have lasting consequences for the future of deer hunting in the state. Wildlife management decisions should remain in the hands of trained deer managers. We urge lawmakers to uphold science-based policies and maintain current regulations to protect Louisiana’s deer herd. Contact your House Representative today and urge them to vote “NO” on HCR 4!

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Your State Representative(s)