The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding deer hunters about the free chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing locations available for the 2024-2025 season. CWD is a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system of deer and elk, first detected in Illinois in 2002. Since then, over 173,000 wild deer have been sampled, with 2,188 testing positive, primarily within a 21-county area in northern Illinois.
Hunters can have their deer tested at participating vendors such as taxidermists and meat processors, or by using self-serve drop-off sites. Locations can be found online, through the Hunt Illinois app, or on IDNR’s interactive map. Testing is especially encouraged in CWD counties. If a hunter plans to mount their deer, cooperating taxidermists can collect samples without damaging the skull.
During the regular firearm seasons (November 22nd-24th and December 5th-8th), hunters in CWD counties can voluntarily have a sample taken at mandatory physical check stations. Non-CWD counties also have options for sample drop-off.
Test results can be viewed online within two to four weeks, with priority given to samples from known CWD areas. If a deer tests positive, an IDNR wildlife biologist will contact the hunter.
From July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, 459 CWD-positive deer were identified across 21 counties, including Boone, Cook, and DuPage, among others.
For more information on CWD management in Illinois, hunters are encouraged to check online resources.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding deer hunters about the free chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing locations available for the 2024-2025 season. CWD is a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system of deer and elk, first detected in Illinois in 2002. Since then, over 173,000 wild deer have been sampled, with 2,188 testing positive, primarily within a 21-county area in northern Illinois.
Hunters can have their deer tested at participating vendors such as taxidermists and meat processors, or by using self-serve drop-off sites. Locations can be found online, through the Hunt Illinois app, or on IDNR’s interactive map. Testing is especially encouraged in CWD counties. If a hunter plans to mount their deer, cooperating taxidermists can collect samples without damaging the skull.
During the regular firearm seasons (November 22nd-24th and December 5th-8th), hunters in CWD counties can voluntarily have a sample taken at mandatory physical check stations. Non-CWD counties also have options for sample drop-off.
Test results can be viewed online within two to four weeks, with priority given to samples from known CWD areas. If a deer tests positive, an IDNR wildlife biologist will contact the hunter.
From July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, 459 CWD-positive deer were identified across 21 counties, including Boone, Cook, and DuPage, among others.
For more information on CWD management in Illinois, hunters are encouraged to check online resources.
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