Critics of deer baiting ban to make case in court

10/9/2008

LANSING, Mich. Opponents of a recently imposed ban on feeding and baiting deer in Michigan s Lower Peninsula are set to make their case in a Lansing courtroom.

The state Department of Natural Resources issued the emergency rule after Michigan s first case of chronic wasting disease was detected at a captive deer operation in the Grand Rapids area.

Critics of the ban sued and a hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon before an Ingham County judge.

Plaintiffs include a vegetable farmer and a store owner who say the ban is hurting them financially.

The DNR defends the policy as a necessary precaution to prevent the spread of the disease.

The baiting ban also may be discussed at Natural Resources Commission meeting.