Wisconsin Ag Connection - Hunters Urged to Test Deer for CWD

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Hunters Urged to Test Deer for CWD
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/15/2017

Deer hunting seasons are about to begin with archery and crossbow this weekend, and the Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to have adult deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Hunters are reminded to contact sampling stations in advance to verify hours of operation and that surveillance efforts focus on adult deer, since older deer are more likely to have the disease.

"As a leading agency on and having national expertise on CWD response and monitoring white-tailed deer in Wisconsin, DNR wildlife management staff provide testing not only as a service to deer hunters, but as a critically important part of efforts to monitor the distribution and prevalence of the disease," said Tami Ryan, DNR wildlife health section chief. "The department will continue to have targeted areas where surveillance and sampling is increased and are working closely with select taxidermists throughout the hunting season."

If test results come back positive for CWD, hunters should not consume venison from that deer.

CWD sampling is being offered at various locations throughout southern, central and northern Wisconsin including both in-person service as well as self-service options. Self-service kiosks are 24/7 options for hunters to drop off a deer head to be tested for CWD. The on-line registration database now includes within the station type option drop down menu the specification of self-service kiosks in available counties.

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