Attention Hunters: New Regulations Introduced!

This hunting season, hunters in select Wildlife Management Zones in Saskatchewan are faced with new mandatory testing regulations for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and bovine tuberculosis. This initiative, spearheaded by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, aims to protect wildlife and ensure the health of our ecosystems.

What You Need to Know About Testing for CWD!

If you’re planning to hunt white-tailed deer, mule deer, or elk in Wildlife Management Zones 43, 47, 50, and 55, you’ll need to submit the animal's head for CWD testing. Fish and Wildlife Health Biologist, Erin Moffatt, emphasizes the importance of this process: "Chronic wasting disease is a severe neurological illness affecting cervids, and it's crucial to monitor its spread." CWD has been a concern in Saskatchewan since the early 2000s, and this mandatory testing aims to provide vital data on the health of deer populations.

Bovine Tuberculosis Testing: A Precautionary Measure!

Hunters in Wildlife Management Zones 37 and 39 are required to submit their heads for bovine tuberculosis testing. Though this disease has not been found in Saskatchewan's wildlife, it was recently detected in two cattle herds. Moffatt explains, "By testing wildlife in areas where TB has been discovered in livestock, we aim to ensure that the disease does not penetrate our wild animal population."

Why Mandatory Testing is Key for Wildlife Management!

Moffatt highlights the importance of these testing programs: "Gathering these samples is essential to understanding the prevalence of diseases among wildlife. Historically, we haven’t been able to collect sufficient samples to accurately determine CWD infection rates. This mandatory testing will boost our numbers and guide our management strategies."

Easy Submission Process for Hunters!

Submitting your animal heads is a crucial step in obtaining a hunting license in the affected zones. Heads must be submitted within a month of harvest, or by January 21st of next year. But it’s not just hunters in mandatory zones who can participate—everyone is encouraged to voluntarily submit samples. Drop-off locations are scattered across the province, and the testing services are completely free!

Keep Your Trophy and Ensure Safety!

Hunters wanting to keep their animal heads for mounting can do so at specific drop-off sites. Technicians will be available to extract necessary samples without compromising your trophy. Just remember, if a sample tests positive for CWD, it’s important to avoid consuming any meat from that animal. Moffatt advises, "Discarding the meat is the safest option."

Don’t Take Chances with CWD!

For those concerned about handling CWD-positive carcasses, Saskatchewan has a carcass disposal program in place, offering bins for secure disposal that leads to certified facilities.

Get Informed: Stay Updated on Testing!

For further information on testing protocols or to register for tracking numbers, hunters can visit the CWD Saskatchewan website. Your participation is key to protecting Saskatchewan’s wildlife! Don't miss out on this opportunity to contribute to wildlife health and conservation efforts this hunting season!