The DNR is reminding deer hunters and the public to help stop the spread of chronic wasting disease by following feeding bans and properly disposing of deer carcass waste.
Placing bait to hunt deer or feeding deer for viewing is banned by state law in certain counties due to the presence of CWD. See bans here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/bait.html
Bait is any material that is placed or used to attract wild animals for hunting purposes, including scent materials, salt, minerals and grains. Feed is any material used to feed or attract wild animals for non-hunting purposes, including recreational and supplemental feeding, except as allowed for birds and small mammals. Bait and feed placed on the landscape, even in limited quantities, often attracts unnatural numbers of deer.
In counties where baiting and feeding is allowed, the following precautions should be taken when feeding birds and small mammals:
- Feeding devices and structures are at a sufficient height or design to prevent access by deer.
- Make sure feeding structures and devices are no further than 50 yards from a dwelling devoted to human occupancy.
- If deer, bear or elk are using bird feeding devices or structures, the devices or structures shall be enclosed or elevated higher to prevent access.
See more: https://p.widencdn.net/udj9a0/WM0456
With a successful harvest comes deer carcass waste. Proper carcass disposal helps slow the spread of CWD by removing potentially infected deer carcasses from the landscape. To properly dispose of deer carcass waste, locate a designated dumpster, transfer station or landfill location accepting deer carcass waste near you: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/carcass.html
While there has not been a documented case of CWD in humans, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization recommend against consuming meat from CWD-infected deer.
Infected deer can look healthy; however, DHS encourages testing for the disease regardless of your harvested deer’s physical condition. The DHS also recommends the public only consume venison from deer where the test results indicate CWD was not detected.
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