FIVE STEPS FOR HUNTERS

The arkansas Game and Fish Commission lists five steps hunters can take to help prevent and contain chronic wasting disease (CWd) in deer and elk in the state.

The agency also has information on testing at more than 100 state sites and taxidermist shops.

Keep Hunting

The best thing hunters can do to help fight the disease is to keep enjoying deer season, and even harvest an extra deer or two for the freezer if possible.

reducing the density of deer in areas where CWd is known to occur can help slow the spread, according to the state wildlife veterinarian, dr. Jenn Ballard. added samples from around the state also help monitor the disease’s occurrence.

Get Deer Tested

Elk testing for CWd is required in the state; deer testing is usually optional. Hunters should strongly consider getting deer tested at one of the Game and Fish Commission’s free testing locations. (See below.)

Avoid Artificial Congregation

activities such as supplemental feeding that artificially congregate deer can increase disease transmission and hinder other management efforts. Mineral licks also can transfer diseases for many years as the salt and minerals can leach into the soil.

In situations where baiting is necessary to effectively hunt, bait only in small quantities and for short durations.

Keep it Local

Hunters should limit moving any deer from an area known to have CWd .

The carcasses should be kept in those areas. deboned meat, antlers, cleaned skull plates, hides, teeth and finished taxidermy can all be moved outside, as all are low-risk for transmission of prions.

The animal’s bones, nervous system and organs should be disposed of properly, either at an approved, lined landfill or buried where scavengers cannot spread the carcass. If a landfill or burial is not possible, return the post-processed carcass as near as possible to the area of harvest.

Report Sick or Dead Deer

anyone who sees a deer displaying signs of CWd or found dead with no apparent injuries is encouraged to contact Game and Fish immediately. Call 800-4829262, anytime, to report any deer that shows a lack of awareness, poor posture, insatiable thirst or looks emaciated.

Visit www.agfc.com/cwd for more information on CWd in arkansas, including the latest detection in South arkansas.

CWD testing sites in Arkansas

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lv82j79wyzg8dBuHvfdGZazdZ8rrxjcW/view Taxidermists by county https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m22moE9znrnducybrwEtXIuQHwuEnIpx/view Testing drop-off containers and taxidermists in the Union County area https://drive.google.com/file/d/16MakFyS8VlBwrChavomkX3atxT1TSrmo/view