Is depopulating all herds in the Management Zone an option?
A voluntary buyout program was passed by the legislature and signed by the governor during the 2008 session. Producers who had cattle in the Management Zone were eligible to take part in the program. Of the 67 producers eligible, 45 producers, with an estimated 6800 animals signed contracts to participate. The animals must be removed from the management zone or sent to slaughter by January 31, 2009. Producers who did not participate in the buyout program have had a risk assessment on their premises to determine the risk of deer and cattle interaction, and fencing will be installed as necessary.
