DNR looks to relax deer farm fence regulations

MADISON — The state Department of Natural Resources wants to relax deer farms fence regulations.

Right now, deer farmers must enroll in the state agriculture department's chronic wasting disease monitoring program as a condition for exporting deer and winning DNR approval of their fences.

The DNR says federal officials have imposed tougher standards for such programs. Farmers that don't comply and opt out of the program would have to build double or solid fences.

The DNR fears farmers won't be able to afford compliance. The agency has proposed an emergency rule that removes participation in the monitoring program as a requirement for a DNR fence certification, allowing them to get out of the program without building a double or solid fence.

The agency's board is expected to vote on the rule Wednesday.