The Ministry of Environment is urging hunters to submit the heads of deer, moose and elk for testing. It’s part of an ongoing effort to better understand the extent and distribution of Chronic Wasting Disease. CWD is fatal to infected deer, there is no known cure and it is currently found in 56 of Saskatchewan’s 83 wildlife management zones.

In 2020, testing found CWD in five moose in the province as well, as a result moose hunters are encouraged to submit moose for testing in order to gain a better understanding of CWD in moose.

Prior to dropping off heads for testing, you must obtain a CWD Tracking Number. A CWD Tracking number can be found at cwdsk.ca website. Heads can be submitted for testing at a number of designated drop-off locations across the province throughout the hunting season.

Archery, muzzle loader, and crossbow seasons are open right now for white tail deer. Some moose hunting is also open. Dates and type of weapon allowed vary depending on species and region.

Animals harvested in zones 2W, 9, 10, 35 and 37 are of particular interest, as ministry biologists would like to obtain further information about the prevalence and spread of CWD in these areas. The ministry is also interested in samples from zones 50 and 55 to evaluate Chronic Wasting Disease in the boreal transition region and the risk of disease transmission to cervids in the boreal forest, including the threatened boreal caribou.

Although there are no documented cases of CWD in humans, hunters are advised to refrain from eating or distributing meat that has tested positive.