CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease for the first time in Mule Deer Hunt Area 153 in the Pinedale Region.

Game and Fish confirmed the presence of CWD in a hunter-harvested, adult male mule deer. 

Mule Deer Hunt Area 153 is bordered by CWD-positive Mule Deer Hunt Areas 142 (detected in 2023), 144 (detected in 2021), 152 (detected in 2019) and 154 (detected in 2023). Mule Deer Area 153 is part of the Sublette Mule Deer Herd. CWD was first detected in this herd in 2017.

To ensure the public is informed, Game and Fish announces when CWD is found in a new hunt area. A map of CWD endemic areas, along with more information, is available on the Game and Fish’s CWD webpage.

CWD is 100% fatal to infected deer, elk and moose. Continued monitoring of CWD over time is important to help Game and Fish understand the potential impacts of the disease, as well as evaluate future management actions. Hunters can assist in data collection by submitting samples for free CWD testing, especially when hunting in priority or mandatory CWD testing areas. More information on providing test samples can be found on the Game and Fish website.

The public is asked to contact the nearest Game and Fish office if an animal appears sick or injured.

-WGFD-