IDNR Reminds Hunters of Chronic Wasting Sampling Locations

With deer season upon us, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is encouraging hunters to take advantage of free testing for chronic wasting disease (CWD) available across Illinois.

CWD is a fatal disease impacting the central nervous system in deer, currently confined to a 21-county area in the northern third of the state. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommend against consuming meat from CWD-positive deer.

Hunters in CWD-affected counties are especially urged to have their deer tested, as early detection and control are essential to preserving Illinois's deer population. Testing is available through a network of participating vendors, taxidermists, and self-serve drop-off sites across the state, offering hunters convenient access to sampling locations.

For more details about chronic wasting disease or to locate a testing site near you, visit IDNR's website.