| West Virginia lawmakers are paving the way for the expansion of deer farming across the state.
"This industry needs to grow," said Delegate Bill Anderson, R-Wood, with delegates saying that WV-DNR has widely opposed the bill for years, with some hunters opposing the farms because they could spread Chronic Wasting Disease, which kills deer.
Legislators passed a bill (SB237) that transfers regulatory control of deer farms from the Division of Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture.
Delegate Brent Boggs, D-Braxton, said deer have died of Chronic Wasting Disease on farms in other states, spreading to the natural population.
Legislators say the bill will spur side businesses that will sell venison, deer jerky and other products. Meat-packers and taxidermists would also benefit.
Supporters say deer farming is big business in Pennsylvania and Ohio and they expect the industry to take off in West Virginia, especially in the southern part of the state.
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