CWD in Montana: What you Need to Know and How to Help

As a hunter, I have been well aware of chronic wasting disease (CWD), and it has been disheartening to see it spread to 35 states. CWD was first confirmed in wild deer populations in Montana back in 2017, and it continues to affect cervids (moose, elk, mule deer, whitetail, etc...).

The newest cases were confirmed this month (December 2024) in a mule deer buck from Hunting District 515 and a whitetail buck from Hunting District 525. This is the first time CWD has been detected in these units. If you would like to read more on these specific cases click, HERE.

Get our free mobile app

If this is your first time hearing about CWD, here's what you need to know and how to help...

What is CWD?

Chronic wasting disease is not a virus, bacteria, or fungus, but it is caused by mis-folded proteins called prions. The prions cause neurological damage, and it is 100% fatal to all deer species that contract it.

How does CWD spread?

The prions can be found throughout the animal tissues and are shed before and after death.

"Scientists think CWD spreads between animals through contact with saliva, blood, urine or feces of an animal with CWD. They suspect it can also spread indirectly through the environment, such as in soil, drinking water or food. " - CDC

There is no known transmission to humans; however, the CDC recommends testing all meat if you harvest a deer in a known CWD area. If the meat tests are positive, do NOT consume it.

How is Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks Managing CWD?

The FWP has made several efforts to help combat the spread of CWD by...

• Offering voluntary testing to all deer species taken by hunters.
• Increased total tags in certain CWD-positive hunting districts.
• Asking hunters, when possible, to bag the carcass and dispose of it in a Class II landfill.
• Implemented strict laws that regulate the transportation of hunter-harvested deer species from CWD infected states    
• FWP is asking everyone to report sick-looking deer, elk, or moose.

How are Hunters are Helping?

Hunters in Montana play a crucial role in conservation efforts by helping manage herd sizes, which in turn helps reduce the spread of CWD. By providing test samples from their harvested animals, hunters also contribute valuable data to better address this issue.

If you are a hunter, please make sure to have your harvest tested! You can find the list of CWD testing facilities HERE.

Credit: FWP.Mt.Gov