Michigan Judge upholds state's deer feeding, baiting ban
LANSING -- An Ingham County circuit judge Thursday upheld Michigan's Lower Peninsula ban on the baiting and feeding of deer, imposed to combat the spread of chronic wasting disease.
Circuit Judge Joyce Draganchuk said the ban, issued Aug.26, came from a plan that had been "subjected to a great deal of scientific study." She said the Department of Natural Resources gave ample notice and allowed opponents time to object before the plan was adopted in 2002.
Grand Rapids attorney Ed McNeely, representing farmers and business owners who raise and sell deer bait -- corn, carrots, sugar beets and apples -- said his clients will have to decide if they want to appeal the ruling. Another group of plaintiffs -- deer rehabilitators who care for orphaned fawns -- were separated from Thursday's hearing and will argue their case at a later date.
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