BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With the start of Deer Hunt 2021 on Nov. 20, the Department of Natural Resources is reminding those taking to the woods, about the prevalence of chronic wasting disease.
CWD is the fatal condition which impacts the nervous systems of deer, elk and moose.
Bright red signs will greet many hunters at many CWD sample site locations around Northeast Wisconsin. The DNR is targeting 13 counties in the second year of a sweep to sample for CWD. Scientists say the goal last season was to gather 300 samples from each county.
“It’s a lot of new information, but I think the response that I’ve seen so far has been pretty good,” said Amanda Kamps, DNR Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist.
Hunters are asked to drop off harvested deer heads at a self-serve kiosk or use an at-home kit for DNR biologists to examine.
“Of course tracking it is one thing and managing the disease is another. And there’s a lot of discussion that’s going on about that,” said Jeff Pritzl, DNR Deer Program Specialist.
Pritzl tells FOX 11 the disease is found in about three-quarters of Wisconsin’s counties, and is getting closer to Northeast Wisconsin. He says CWD is highly contagious and can linger in soil or other infected deer. And because deer are social animals, changes are expected in baiting and feeding regulations in the Fox Valley.
“Because of the recent occurrence of CWD in a game farm in Outagamie County. That means coming soon, Outagamie, and it’s going to affect Calumet County as well.”
Kamps tells FOX 11 deer carcass dumpsters will be available for hunters to use.
“Carcass disposal in general has really taken off with a lot more interest in the past few years. We’ve even had some funding specific to those dumpsters. So that’s another action we do look to provide.”
Pritzl says as CWD sampling continues, the science is expected to follow.
“Whether it’s a treatment for the animals, or it’s even better, we’re on the cusp of more efficient testing options. So buying time is important.”
For the deer, and the future of the sport.
“Every hunter has a role in it, and obviously an interest in our deer population in the state, and everyone has a role in helping to protect that health, the overall health of the deer herd,” said Kamps.
It’s been about 20 years since the first case of CWD was verified in the state. According to the Centers for Disease Control, no confirmed cases of CWD have been found in humans.
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