CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The bill that would put the state Department of Agriculture in charge of deer farms will next be taken up by the full House of Delegates after passage by the House Finance Committee Friday.
The bill (SB 237), which has already been approved by the Senate, would allow the Department of Agriculture to grow an industry according to Del. Bill Anderson (R-Wood).
“There are restaurants in this state that desire this product. They have to import it from out of state now. It’s a chance to grow an enterprise in this state,” Anderson said.
The measure takes control of regulating deer farms from the state DNR.
Del. Brent Boggs (D-Braxton) tried to amend the bill to create a working partnership between the state DNR and the Department of Agriculture in the management of deer farms.
“When we’re entering into something like this I think sometimes two heads might be better than one I think initially until we see how things go,” Boggs said.
His amendment failed.
The legislation has long been opposed by sportsman’s organizations in the state. They fear growth in the captive cervid industry would create the increased chance for disease spread to the wild deer population, particularly chronic wasting disease.
A similar bill won approval in both chambers in 2013, but fell victim to the clock on the final night of the regular session.