DNR encourages northern hunters to test deer for CWD

Sampling Locations in place for Ashland, Bayfield, Iron, Price, Rusk, Taylor and Sawyer counties

In cooperation with local businesses, CWD sampling options are available to hunters across northern Wisconsin in 2019. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff will collect deer heads for disease detection surveillance in an effort to determine if and map where CWD occurs on the landscape.

Hunters who harvest an adult deer in Ashland, Bayfi eld, Iron, Price, Rusk, Sawyer and Taylor counties are strongly encouraged to submit a sample from the deer for CWD testing at sampling locations within those counties. CWD testing is free of charge to the hunter, and anyone submitting a sample should receive test results typically 10-14 days after the deer is brought to a sampling station.

The health of the deer herd relies on commitment from hunters. Managing CWD begins with knowing where the disease exists on the landscape, and having this knowledge is only possible with a robust sample size. Make plans to visit one of the following sampling stations to have your deer submitted for testing.

“We’re grateful for hunters making that extra effort to have their deer sampled for CWD, and to support them, we continue to make access to sampling simpler, faster and easier each year,” said Tami Ryan, acting Wildlife Management bureau director. “Each deer sample is important because it contributes to an accurate understanding of the health of Wisconsin’s deer herd.”

CWD sampling locations

Hunters have several options available to have their deer sampled for CWD. In addition to a network of 24/7 self-service sampling stations (also called kiosks) around the state, many meat processors and businesses offer in-person sampling assistance. Some sampling locations also have DNR Wildlife Management staff available to take samples and answer hunters’ questions.

Hunters should contact staffed sampling stations in advance to verify hours of operation. For an interactive map with sampling locations available in your area, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “CWD sampling.” There is also a searchable database available as an alternative to the map view. A sample consists of the deer head with 3-5 inches of neck attached. Hunters will also need to have their harvest authorization number, harvest location and contact information when submitting a sample. To make special arrangements for large bucks, please call a local DNR wildlife biologist.

Deer carcass disposal

Hunters are encouraged to dispose of deer carcass waste in a licensed landfill that accepts this waste or in a dumpster designated for deer carcass waste. One such dumpster will be available at the DNR’s Medford Ranger Station through the efforts of the Taylor County Sportsman’s Club.

If a municipality allows deer disposal curbside or at a transfer station, the carcass should be double bagged. If these options are not available and the deer was harvested on private land, burying the deer carcass waste or returning it to the location of the harvest are the next best options.

Hunters can find a map with the CWD sampling locations and deer carcass disposal locations on the DNR website as well as in the Hunt Wild app.

Baiting and feeding

Hunters are reminded that baiting and feeding is prohibited in some counties. Check the DNR’s baiting and feeding webpage frequently for updates. No counties in the state will be removed from the ban during the 2019 deer hunting seasons.

Prevent the spread of CWD

Voluntarily following recommended practices can reduce and prevent the spread of CWD. Those include proper carcass transportation, handling and disposal, also reporting sick deer, following baiting and feeding regulations and cleaning and decontaminating equipment. Hunters may also follow urinebased scent recommendations.

Sick deer reports

DNR staff members are interested in reports of sick deer. To report a sick deer, contact local wildlife staff or call the DNR’s Customer Service hotline at 1-800-847-9367.

Test results

To view CWD results for a harvested deer, visit DNR website. Hunters will need to enter a customer ID or CWD sample barcode number to view test results.

The average turnaround time from when the deer is brought to a sampling station to when the results are available is typically two weeks.

If test results come back positive for CWD, advice from the Centers for Disease Control, Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services and the World Health Organization is for hunters not to consume venison from that deer.

More information regarding CWD in Wisconsin, is available on the DNR website.

In Taylor County

In Taylor County, the following locations will have CWD sampling self-service kiosks available throughout the gun deer season.

_ Medford DNR Ranger Station

_ Rib Lake Cenex

_ The Gilman Corner Store

_ The Northwoods Country Store in Sheldon Also, Team Smack Down Outdoors (715-748-0521) and Buck Stop Taxidermy (715-748-9494) of Medford will collect samples by appointment only.

In Price County

In Price County, the following locations

will have CWD sampling self-service kiosks available.

_ Roscoe’s Country Sausage in Phillips

_ Park Falls DNR Service Center

_ Prentice DNR Ranger Station Wildwoods Taxidermy Studio of Fifi eld (715-762-5550) will collect samples by appointment only.

In Rusk County

In Rusk County, the following locations will have CWD sampling self-service kiosks available.

_ Weyerhaeuser Cenex Station

_ Northwoods Convenience Station in Hawkins

_ Conrath Quality Meats will offer sampling with assistance.

In Sawyer County

In Sawyer County, the following locations will have CWD sampling self-service kiosks available.

_ Hayward DNR Service Center

_ Winter DNR Ranger Station

_ Stone Lake BP

_ DNR Flambeau River State Forest Headquarters in Winter

_ Whiskey Ridge Sport Shop in Radison will offer sampling with assistance.