After the disease was first detected in Wisconsin in 2002, the state spent millions trying to reduce the herd in the main infection area near Mount Horeb. But hunters and landowners resisted the eradication strategy, saying it was impractical and a waste of deer. By 2010, the state adopted a 15-year plan focused mostly on monitoring the disease.

Dozens of recommendations created by the committee have been reviewed by county deer advisory councils across the state. DNR staff planned to discuss the recommendations with the department’s policy board, the Natural Resources Board, when it meets Wednesday.

DNR big game management section chief Bob Nack said the department would receive guidance from the board on next steps to be taken in revising the department’s CWD response plan.

Jarchow said in an email Thursday that he wasn’t concerned about his bill short-circuiting the study and discussion by DNR staff, the NRB, the committee and the county advisory councils.

He and another northern Wisconsin legislator, Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, have taken an aggressive stance toward the DNR. In January they issued a statement saying they will keep trying to roll back regulations because they believe it’s a way to create jobs in their districts.