HELENA -- The state Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department is again asking hunters to help the state monitor the occurrence of chronic wasting disease in southeast Montana.

Reports of CWD in states and a Canadian province adjacent to Montana prompted efforts to detect the fatal brain disease as soon as possible to give Montana the best chance to respond to control or eliminate it.

"Finding CWD in the wild deer or elk population in Montana is probably not if, but when," said John Ensign, regional wildlife manager. "Montana is sharing a border with several states and a Canadian province where CWD has been confirmed in wild populations. It is a matter of time before an infected wild deer or elk is located in Montana."

Ensign said the state wants deer or elk heads with one or two vertebrae still attached for the most accurate testing. The state also asks hunters to fill out a tag stating as accurately as possible where and when the animal was harvested and who shot it.

For the entire news story, click here.

Source: Billings Gazette, Associated Press
October 14, 2004

Back to Hot Topics