In December, the Wisconsin DNR announced a wild deer in Vilas County tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.
The disease is more prevalent in deer in Southern Wisconsin. They’ve been slowly showing up in wild populations in North Central Wisconsin over the last several years.
This was first one in Vilas County.
It was harvested during the City of Eagle River’s archery hunt.
DNR Wildlife Area Supervisor Michele Woodford says the deer was a three-year-old doe that appeared healthy.
“A lot of the deer do appear to look healthy but are still testing positive and potentially are contagious at that time,” said Woodford.
In response to the positive test result, the DNR is renewing the baiting and feeding ban that was already in place.
It will also be increasing its sampling efforts in a 10-mile radius around the location the deer was harvested.
The DNR wants to collect 150 to 200 samples each year for the next three years.
“We may fine tune that information. We are in a unique situation where we did find our positive in a very urbanized area where it will be a little bit more difficult to harvest deer cause we do have those smaller parcels, but we also have the benefit of a managed city hunt,” said Woodford.
The DNR will be counting on hunters to help reach its sampling goals.
The DNR held a public meeting Wednesday to talk about its response to CWD and hear comment and questions from people.
A few people asked questions.
Dee Allen with the Lac du Flambeau Tribe wanted to make sure that the tribe was consulted and assisted with plans moving forward.
“CWD has been a concern of our tribe. We depend on our waawaashkeshi and our deer for many different cultural purposes and also a staple in our food source,” said Allen.
Eagle River City Administrator Robin Ginner also wanted to support the DNR in its efforts to keep the deer population healthy.
