Archery deer season opens this Saturday, so Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is reminding hunters to review regulations in place regarding chronic wasting disease.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of CWD in a captive deer at a farm in Breckinridge County in October 2024, which prompted the creation of a CWD surveillance zone consisting of Breckinridge, Hardin, and Meade counties. Eight new cases of CWD were confirmed at the same facility in August.
Special regulations are in place in CWD surveillance zones. Whole carcases may not be taken out of a county within the zone. Baiting is allowed with restrictions, and is banned on public lands, with contact-style feeders prohibited. Scent attractants and urine products are still allowed.
Hunters may assist KFW by submitting the heads of harvested deer for testing, which can be done via drop-off sites and CWD sample mail-in kits. Sick or dead deer can be reported to the KFW Information Center (1-800-858-1549 or info.center@ky.gov) or via the KFW website.
Chronic wasting disease is caused by abnormal prions and affects cervids such as white-tailed deer and elk. The disease is always fatal and has no known cure. Visit the KFW’s deer hunting webpage for more information on the disease and other regulations.
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