NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A legislative bill that would allow commercial deer farming in Tennessee is scheduled for discussion by a House subcommittee on Tuesday. A state wildlife conservation group opposes it, saying it could spread chronic wasting disease.
The bill would require state agriculture officials to license breeding operations to raise white-tail deer, primarily for hunting on private ranches, reports The Commercial Appeal.
CEO Mike Butler of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation says the spread of disease isn't the only problem with the proposal, contending that shooting farm-raised deer isn't sporting.
Knoxville Republican Frank Nicely sponsored the bill and the newspaper says he didn't return its call. A call offering Nicely an opportunity for comment was left at his office on Monday by The Associated Press.