Judge upholds Michigan’s ban on deer baiting, feeding to battle chronic wasting disease – Michigan News, Updates, Photos & Video | Detroit, Lansing – MLive.com

Judge upholds Michigan’s ban on deer baiting, feeding to battle chronic wasting disease

by The Associated Press

Thursday October 09, 2008, 6:59 PM

LANSING — A judge Thursday let stand a ban on feeding and baiting deer in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, ruling the state had authority to issue the emergency rule after its first case of chronic wasting disease was detected.

The decision was a blow for farmers and store owners who sued because they’re being hurt financially by the ban. Hunters place piles of bait — beets, carrots, corn, apples and other produce — in areas to attract deer.

After hearing arguments, Ingham County Circuit Judge Joyce Draganchuk acknowledged that a number of people earn a living by growing and selling the bait. But she said the Michigan Department of Natural Resources based its decision on “sound scientific management principles.”

“It did it for the purpose of preserving deer and elk herd so that those who make their living from it may continue to do so in the future,” Draganchuk said of the ban imposed Aug. 26. It’s effective for six months and could be extended.

State attorneys defended the policy as a necessary precaution to prevent the spread of the disease.  Full Story

Judge upholds Michigan’s ban on deer baiting, feeding to battle chronic wasting disease – Michigan News, Updates, Photos & Video | Detroit, Lansing – MLive.com.