Each year the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) monitors the distribution of brucellosis within the state’s elk populations by requesting hunters to collect blood samples from their harvested animal. Surveillance is generally concentrated in elk herds that surround, but do not use state or federal feedgrounds. Nearly a quarter of the state is surveyed each year, eventually providing coverage over the entire state. Approximately 11,000 blood collection kits are assembled and mailed to hunters successful in acquiring limited quota elk licenses within target surveillance areas. In general, hunters return between 1,200 and 1,500 blood samples to the laboratory, of which approximately 60% are suitable for testing (samples often freeze in the return mailing, rendering them untestable).
As soon as you reach your harvested animal, it is import to collect the blood sample as soon as possible. It is reccommended that you take certain precautions when collecting your blood sample. There are three locations on an animal that are very easy for blood collection.
Once the tube is full, replace the cap firmly, wrap the tube in the paper towel and place in the plastic bag. Fill out the information card and include with the blood sample in the postage free mailer. Adhere the enclosed business reply label over the front of the shipping box and drop in the nearest post office box after leaving the field. It is very important to keep the blood sample cool, but protect it from freezing. Please send your sample into the laboratory (or drop off at the nearest Game and Fish office) as soon as possible. If you are hunting in the Bighorn Mountains, you may also see a cooler like the one below. You can leave your blood sample in there as well.
Stay up to date on all Wyoming Game and Fish news either by email or text message. Click the link below to get started.
CONNECT WITH US