What Hunters Need to Know About CWD

In several locations around the U.S. where the disease is established, infection rates may exceed 10%. For example, CWD spread to the deer herd population state of Michigan a few years ago, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is taking measures to eradicate and monitor the disease.

To answer some of the questions many hunters have about CWD and hunting deer, HuntWise interviewed John Neiwoonder, the senior wildlife biologist for Montcalm and Ionia counties in Michigan. These counties are trying Antler Point Restrictions this year to monitor CWD.

Keep reading to see what he has to say about the disease and how it impacts the deer population.

1. What is CWD?

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurological disease affecting cervid animals in North America, such as deer, elk, and moose.

However, it is not a typical disease, meaning it is not a virus or a bacterium. It is caused by misfolded proteins called prions.

These proteins are normal, but when they become misfolded, they don't function, and the deer has many problems with brain activity. Even though the concern for CWD has arisen in the last ten years, it has been around for 40 or 50 years. 

2. Where is CWD Found?

The Center for Disease Control reports that CWD was first identified in captive deer in a Colorado research facility in the late 1960s and wild deer in 1981.

It has gradually spread to other states and Canadian Provinces. As of January 2021, 339 counties in 25 states had reported CWD in free-ranging cervids.

3. What Do Infected Deer Look Like?

Deer with CWD may not show symptoms for six to nine months or more. They look like perfectly normal and healthy deer, and you cannot tell they have the disease.

However, once the deer have the disease for a while, they start to have symptoms. Their ears droop, they get thin, salivate, and drool an obvious amount, and most lose their fear of humans. 

4. How is the Disease Spread?

Wildlife biologists still wonder how transmission from deer to deer occurs.

We know that CWD is not spread by mosquitos or bugs of any kind. It is believed to be passed when feces, saliva, or urine hits the ground and is ingested by other deer as they sniff around on the ground. There is no clear link between doe and fawn. 

5. Can You Eat Deer with CWD?

Although no hunter has contracted CWD from consuming deer meat, it's not a good idea to take the risk.

Health professionals recommend not eating a deer if you know it is sick. If you harvest a deer in an area where CWD is present, you should get the meat tested.

Michigan DNR biologist John Neiwoonder announced, "We need people to keep hunting and get their deer tested if you are concerned about the disease." 

What's the Long Term Outlook for Deer and Chronic Wasting Disease?

CWD is continuing to spread across the United States. However, in Michigan, the number of deer with the disease is less than one percent.

Each state agency is working to monitor and control the disease. Many universities and fish and wildlife agencies are looking for ways to fight the disease. State and federal agencies also monitor deer populations and the disease to keep hunters informed every season.

Be Aware of CWD When Planning Your Hunt

Chances are, your next big buck will be perfectly healthy and provide delicious meat for your family. However, hunters need to be aware of CWD and plan accordingly if the disease affects hunting areas, season dates, or a deer you've tagged that looks like it has symptoms.

Within the HuntWise app, you'll find links to specific information about your favorite hunt areas, including season dates, bag limits, and regulations or information regarding chronic wasting disease if it applies to the area. As you choose the places you want to hunt this season, use map layers and markers to e-scout the land. Our HuntCast feature also helps you pick the best days to hunt based on weather and animal movement.

We want you to have your best hunting season yet! Download HuntWise and start planning with access to every feature – free – for a week.

Content updated June 24, 2024.