News

What to do with a Wisconsin deer farm?

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking for comments on what to do with the former Buckhorn Flats game farm in Portage County. The 80-acre whitetail deer farm was shut down by USDA in 2006 after Chronic Wasting Disease was found in the herd. In the end, 82 deer from the farm tested positive for CWD.

Research indicates the prions which cause CWD can exist in soil for at least three years and perhaps much longer. USDA controlled the land for five years but was about to relinquish it so DNR bought the property for $465,000 last March to make sure the fence was maintained and no person or animals ventured on to the land.

Now called the Almond Deer Farm, the property consists of 25 acres of cropland and 55 acres of woodland with 65 acres fenced-in. There is a house and storage shed. The public is invited to ask questions and offer comments as to what the DNR should do with the property next Thursday, July 28th, 6 to 8 p.m. at Almond Bancroft School.