If you hunt big game in North America, you have probably heard of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and the associated concerns, facts, and myths surrounding this disease. CWD is an infectious, always-fatal disease that has progressively spread across North America’s captive and wild members of the deer family. See MDWG Fact Sheet #39 for information about this disease.

CWD and its impact on the management of deer and elk populations is the focus of ongoing and important research. While we do not have all the answers yet, enough details are emerging to inform and guide basic management actions. CWD has already been incorporated into several deer and elk management plans and continues to alter the way we handle harvested deer. Misinformation has caused confusion and, in some instances, disregard for the seriousness of CWD. It is vital that hunters understand the severity of this disease and take an active role to contain and manage CWD for the future of our hunting heritage and the conservation of our mule deer populations.

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• Publication Date January 15, 2025
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