Hunters urged to have deer tested for CWD

MADISON — Deer hunting seasons are right around the corner, with the archery and crossbow season beginning Sept. 14. The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters who harvest deer to have adult deer tested for chronic wasting disease.

This year, CWD surveillance will occur throughout 18 counties in northern Wisconsin as part of a multi-year rotation across the state. Enhanced surveillance efforts will also occur around wild and captive positive detections and in counties with low sampling numbers in recent years.

In addition, surveillance will continue in the Southern Farmland Zone and in select locations in CWD-affected counties in the central, northeast and west-central part of the state. This includes counties that have had a wild deer CWD positive detection (Adams, Juneau, Portage, Eau Claire, Lincoln, Oneida and Marquette counties) as well as in the wild deer herd surrounding CWD positive captive deer facilities (Marathon, Eau Claire, Oneida, Shawano, Waupaca, Marinette and Oconto counties). Hunter service testing, free of charge, will continue to be provided for adult deer harvested statewide.

As in previous years, CWD sampling will be offered at various locations throughout the state. Options for CWD sampling include both in-person and self-service options.

Self-service kiosks are a convenient way for hunters to have their deer tested for CWD, and feedback shows that hunters appreciate this option. Kiosks provide a 24/7 drop-off option for hunters to help enhance sampling numbers, provide for ease of use and increase options in the world of electronic registration.

“The cooperation of hunters and private businesses is vital to the success of our sampling process. DNR staff thank all those who continue to assist with CWD surveillance,” said Tami Ryan, DNR’s acting director for the Bureau of Wildlife Management.

Hunters are reminded that CWD surveillance efforts focus on testing adult deer, since older deer are more likely to test positive for the disease. For their convenience, the DNR recommends hunters contact staffed sampling stations in advance to verify hours of operation.

For information regarding where to take your deer for sampling, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “CWD sampling,” or contact local DNR wildlife management staff.

Hunters can also visit the DNR website for updated information on baiting and feeding bans throughout the state.