© 2024 WXPR
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Wisconsin DNR reminds hunters to get deer tested for chronic wasting disease

Wisconsin DNR
CWD sampling kiosk

It’s getting hard to find a county in Wisconsin not affected by Chronic Wasting Disease.

In the Northwoods, it’s been found in wild deer populations in Oneida and Lincoln counties.

Most recently, it’s been found at deer farms in Taylor and Langlade counties.

This is the final year of the Wisconsin DNR’s statewide sweep for Chronic Wasting Disease.

It’s focused on counties in the Northeast.

“It gives information about the distribution of the disease in the state,” said Amanda Kamps, Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist for the DNR.

She says the DNR is particularly interested in deer harvested from Marinette and Oconto and the surrounding counties, but the more deer samples they can get from all across the state helps give the DNR a better picture of how the disease is spreading throughout Wisconsin herds.

“[It’s] equally important for those not detected results as much as those positive results,” said Kamps.

There are four options to get your deer tested:

  • There are self-sampling kiosks all across the state to drop off a deer head.
  • There are some meat processors that work with the DNR to get your deer tested.
  • DNR staff in each county can also help you.
  • You can also get a lymph node extraction kit from the DNR.

“Contact your local wildlife management staff to get the kit and also to drop it off. Letting them know when you’re dropping off the sample is just as important,” said Kamps.

There is an option on the Go Wild app upload all your information like where the deer was harvested.

Hunters can expect test results 10 to 14 days after the deer is brought to a sampling station.

The DNR is also urging hunters to be careful how they’re handling and disposing of deer.

There are regulations for transporting deer harvested from a Chronic Wasting Disease affected county to another county.

Mostly the DNR recommends not moving the whole carcass outside the county or one adjacent to it.

“You’re bringing your equipment, maybe it’s an ATV, your boots, things like that, just to try and be mindful of having all of those items cleaned before going back home or travelling somewhere else,” said Kamps.

You can learn more about regulations on the DNR’s website.

Katie Thoresen is WXPR's News Director/Vice President.
Up North Updates
* indicates required