the Cutting Edge

In the apparently never ending debate on the causes and spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in the Saskatchewan deer and elk herds, the one very plausible explanation seems to have gone unmentioned. I have heard several informal discussions centered on the theory that CWD has been present in wild Saskatchewan herds for decades, possibly centuries. Before the first elk or deer was fenced in Saskatchewan it is theorized that CWD was present and that only a few animals have a genetic pre-disposition to host the prions associated with CWD.

All hunters are urged to provide biological samples to SERM for deer and elk harvested in all zones of the province for the upcoming fall hunting seasons.

The Great Sand Hills (GSH) area is recognized as a unique and sensitive region of southwestern Saskatchewan, consisting of two large blocks located between the Trans-Canada Highway and the South Saskatchewan River. In July of 1990, the Minister of Environment and Public Safety announced the establishment of a planning committee to prepare an integrated land use strategy for the Great Sand Hills. This review was completed in May 1991 and consists of a comprehensive study of land use issues and recommendations to the provincial government pertaining to the future use of the GSH. Not the least of these were the formal designation of 103 square kilometers of land under the Critical Wildlife Habitat Protection Act. In July 2002, the provincial government confirmed that there would be a review of the 1991 Great Sand Hills Land Use Strategy. In initiating this review, the province had two principal objectives:
- to address land use interests in this area,
- to ensure that provincial and municipal policies for the area reflect current realities.

The Review Committee wishes to hear from the many interest groups and stakeholders in the area, as they are committed to providing opportunities for all to participate in this process. A broad range of interested parties are being canvassed to help clarify the range of interests in and opinions regarding this area and were invited to send written comments to the Review Committee before January 10, 2003. Information received by the Review Committee are to be posted on public web sites or made available on request.

At the time of this writing, oral presentations have been heard from the public interested parties and stakeholders. On Feb. 25th and 26th, presentations were heard from 9 individuals and/or lease operators organizations, Sask. Ecotourism Society, Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society, Sask. Wildlife Federation, Sask. Bowhunters Association, and 4 Oil and Gas Resource operators and Surface Rights Associations. The written presentations are scheduled to be posted on the internet shortly after the oral presentations have been made.

Words from the Chief
- President's message -

(excerpt from 2005 spring issue) Our annual awards banquet was held in Regina on April 2nd and, though the crowd was small, everyone had a good time. Alan Parkinsons (Assistant Deputy Minister of the Environment) brought a message on behalf of the department and presented a centennial award for outstanding work by a volunteer. This award went to a much deserving Neil Zoerb, our membership chairman.

Congratulations to 12 year-old Cassandra Crozier from Success on winning the grand prize membership draw of a $1,000 gift certificate.

It's not long till the hunting seasons are here again, so make sure every bowhunter you know has their SBA membership. It's also a good time to take or put on a bowhunter education class.

Remember , it's not how far you can shoot, it's how close you can get!
- Hank Halseth

Endangered Species

One day a man was walking in the woods when he got lost. For two days he roamed around trying to find a way out. He had not eaten anything during this period and was famished.

On a rock ledge he spotted a bald eagle, killed it, and started to eat it. Surprisingly, a couple of conservation officers happen to find him at that moment, and arrested him for killing an endangered species.

At court, he plead innocent to the charges against him claiming that if he didn't eat the bald eagle he would have died from starvation. The judge ruled in his favor and in the closing statement he asked the man, "I would like you to tell me something before I let you go. I have never eaten a bald eagle, nor ever plan on it. What did it taste like?"

The man thought quietly to himself for a moment before he answered, "Well, it tasted better than Whooping Crane but not as good as Spotted Owl!"

Words of Wisdomn
"Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the wildlife you hunt and for the forest and fields in which you walk. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person."
- Fred Bear

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