NW Illinois News

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has issued a reminder to deer hunters about the availability of free testing for chronic wasting disease (CWD). This announcement includes information on the disease and locations where hunters can have their deer tested at no cost.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal condition affecting the central nervous system of deer and elk. It was first identified in Illinois in 2002 in an adult female deer from Boone County. Since then, 173,486 wild deer have been sampled across the state, with 2,188 cases testing positive for CWD. The disease is currently restricted to a 21-county area in northern Illinois.

Wildlife biologists track the spread and intensity of CWD by testing hunter-harvested deer. Although CWD is not known to affect humans, health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization advise against consuming venison from infected animals.

Hunters can access free testing through participating vendors like taxidermists and meat processors or by leaving deer heads at self-serve drop-off sites. These locations are listed online, on the Hunt Illinois app, or via IDNR’s interactive map.

During the upcoming firearm seasons from November 22-24 and December 5-8, hunters in CWD-affected counties can opt for voluntary sampling by biologists at mandatory check stations.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is addressing the impact of CWD in northwest Illinois and her legislative district. She has engaged with residents for feedback on managing CWD and is working with state agencies to pursue legislation aimed at addressing constituent concerns regarding this issue.