Inset: Amy and Joe Bollman of Lovells attended the 1st Annual Luzerne Fire Department Fireman's Bash. See more photos on Page A-15
BENCH DEDICATION - Hale residents donated a bench at the front of FISH in memory of former Long Lake resident Glen Davis. Seated is Janine Allen Davis; Standing (l-r) are children Julia, Jacob and Madeline Sawecki, parents Kathy and Jim Allen. See story on Page A-6
Eagle Voice: C-1
Fireman’s Memorial: C 8-9
Roscommon Girl’s Night Out: A-5
Mio Homecoming: B 8-9
Hunting pullout: A 7-10
What's in this issue:
Strengthening the communities of Northeast Michigan Vol. 11, Issue 16
Voice
October 2019
Free Up North
Controversy over deer baiting ban continues By Tereasa Nims
some infected animals may die without ever fully developing the disease. NORTHERN MICHIGAN Many people stand united in wanting CWD is fatal to animals and there are to oust the Jan. 31, deer bait ban initi- no treatments or vaccines. DNR Wildlife Biologist Bruce ated by the Michigan Department of Barlow said the ban was instituted in Natural Resources (DNR), saying it’s part because when deer concentrate far reaching, affects commerce and over a food source, there is a higher possibly increasing car-deer crashes – probability for the spread of the disin addition to saying it is a bad law. But Michigan Department of Nat- ease. He said infected deer salivate over the food thus transferring the ural Resources (DNR) and Natural Resources Commission biologists say disease to other deer. He hears the hunters and others baiting may contribute to the spread say they are upset with the ban. He of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). said the ban is aimed to offer the The DNR and Natural Resources deer population Commission its best chance at banned baiting and feeding in ‘Don’t underestimate survival. “Don’t the lower Penthe impact this underestimate insula and some the impact this disease has on the core areas in the disease has on the upper Peninpopulation’ population,” Barsula. The effort low said of the - DNR Biologist Bruce Barlow aims to combat deer herds. “This Chronic Wasting is the right thing disease (CWD) to do for the wild which was found in deer in Mecosta, deer population.” Montcalm and Ionia counties. The lack of baiting, some say, According to the Center for Diswill cause higher levels of starvation. ease Control and Prevention (CDC), However, Barlow said deer don’t Chronic Wasting Disease is a prion have to work for food in the wild. disease that affects deer, elk, rein“There is plenty of food in their deer, sika deer and moose. It has been natural habitat,” Barlow said. “They found in North America, Norway and don’t need to rely on human handSouth Korea, and in Affected deer may take more than outs.” But to businesses that depend on a year before developing symptoms, the sales of bait, such as Ed Beckley, which can include drastic weight loss (wasting), stumbling, listlessness and owner of M-65 Bait Shop in Whittemore, the ban is a blow to their other neurologic symptoms. CWD annual revenues. can affect animals of all ages and
“Deer feed is 60 percent of my “absolutely” against the ban. business,” Beckley said. He’s owned He said it reaches farther than the store for two years, but it’s has most people think. Bartholomew norbeen in his family for 33 years. mally employees 30 people a season Beckley said he can still legally at his store. This season he hired four sell the bait. It is just illegal for people. people to use it. He has already sold “When people stop on the way 11 tons of corn and seven tons of to their hunting spots, they buy gas, sugar beets. snacks, beer and more. They go for “I would stop selling bait if I meals and local restaurants and hang knew the deer feed was causing an with their friends at neighboring bars. epidemic,” Beckley said. “I’m conIf they aren’t hunting – they aren’t cerned about the herds, too.” stopping,” Bartholomew said. Beckley said he doesn’t hunt with He said this hurts the mom and bait but knows hunters, many who pop stores as well as increases the hunt on state deer populations land, that often – thus causing ‘I would stop use it – making more car-deer it easier to draw crashes. elling bait if I knew deer in. The ban is not the deer feed was But he, like all-encompassothers, doubt the causing an epidemic’ ing. Hunters who science behind are 100 percent - M-65 Bait Shop Owner the decision to disabled veterans Ed Beckley ban baiting. or blind may Houghton use single-bite Lake resident baits in counties Kevin Weaver isn’t a hunter, but he is where baiting is banned – during Libagainst the ban. erty and Independence Hunts only. “This isn’t about deer safety. In Per the DNR, eligible hunters were my opinion, it is about them wanting able to start their baiting Sept. 9. more power to tell people what to Single-bite baits include shelled do and fine them for feeding deer in corn, beet pulp, nuts, deer feed, peltheir own back yards,” Weaver said. lets, wheat or other grain. Some hunters and store owners The ban does not apply to are hoping that bills currently in the food plots, defined by the DNR as Michigan Senate and House will naturally occurring foods, standing offer some relief. The bills seek to agricultural crops, or food placed as reverse the ban. a result of using normal agricultural Mark Bartholomew, co-owner of ♦ See BAITING BAN on page 8 Bart’s Fruit Market in Prudenville is