Hunters: Help the Laramie Region collect CWD samples

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is requesting help from deer and elk hunters to collect chronic wasting disease (CWD) samples from their harvested animals. The Laramie Region wants to collect a total of 200 samples from hunter harvested buck deer in Hunt Areas 61, 74, 75, 76 and 77, and any elk from Hunt Areas 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 110, 114 and 125.

Laramie -

Hunters: Help the Laramie Region collect CWD samples

Laramie Game and Fish Regional office at 1212 S. Adams , 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In most cases, you may need to leave the head at the office until a warden or biologist is available to sample your animal.

, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In most cases, you may need to leave the head at the office until a warden or biologist is available to sample your animal. Self-check kiosks/head drop barrels. Signs will be posted at kiosks/head drop barrels with details on how to properly submit heads:

U.S. Forest Service Brush Creek/Hayden District Office, 2171 Highway 130, Saratoga.

Forest Service Road 101 at forest boundary near Elk Mountain. Watch for signs.

Forest Service Road 111 at forest boundary near Arlington. Watch for signs.

Laramie Regional office, for submissions outside of regular business hours.

Established Game and Fish Department check stations: Harvested animals may be tested at check stations established along roads and highways throughout the state during big game seasons.

Alternatively, hunters may also have their animal tested at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory or Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for a fee.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease of the central nervous system in mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, and moose. CWD belongs to the group of rare diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. These disorders are caused by abnormally folded proteins called “prions.” CWD is widely distributed across Wyoming. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently launched a public process to help revise the current CWD management plan. As part of the process, The chronic wasting disease collaborative working group is working with the Game and Fish Department to revise the state’s chronic wasting disease management plan.Part of the plan revision process involves an intensive sampling process to learn more about the disease. The Laramie Region wants to collect a total of 200 samples from hunter harvested buck deer in Hunt Areas 61, 74, 75, 76 and 77, and any elk from Hunt Areas 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 110, 114 and 125 over the next three years to better estimate prevalence of the disease. At this time, Snowy Range elk and Sheep Mountain mule deer are the priority herds for collecting CWD samples. In order to focus on these herds, we are testing animals from other herd units only at hunter request. Other herds will be a priority in subsequent years. Hunters can help the department meet its goal by bringing heads or animals from the target areas to the following locations:For more information, contact the Laramie Region office at (307) 745-4046. Or visit the Game and Fish Department webpage for more information on CWD

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