That “75% support this bill” stat is pure statistical masturbation. It so accurate that it may as well be on the ticker at CNN.
Approximately 80% of deer hunters in ND say they trust the NDGF with managing CWD. Only 11% think their management approach is too aggressive. Deer hunters make up approximately 10% of the total population. Under the very safe assumption that 95-99% of the non-hunting public trusts NDGF with CWD management, somewhere along the lines of 2-5% of the total population would truly support this bill. As far as I’m concerned, even in failing, the “Yes” votes on the bill WILDLY over represented the true numbers. A very small and passionate group submitted testimony in favor while the vast majority of the public had no clue this bill ever existed.
I just spent 10 days in the great state of ND. Made the rounds to all my family and friends that I have the green light to hunt on. Ten of thousands of acres; none of them heard of the bill, none of them cared. Went to farmer coffee a couple mornings with my Dad; none of the farmers heard about the bill, none of them cared. Went to the sale barn this morning to watch the sale and have lunch; none of the ranchers heard of the bill, none of them cared. I’d bet the top 15 landowners I know never herd of this bill, and nor do they care.
No matter how I fall on the issue, I coil up real quick anytime politicians try to override our game agencies. Further, no matter how I fall on the issue, I demand honest debate. I’m glad to see the bill fail. I hope from here NDGF goes forth with the increased informative and attentive conversation the people in support of this bill deserve.