CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease in Deer Hunt Areas 31 and 94 and Elk Hunt Area 126 through hunter-harvested surveillance. 

Deer Hunt Area 31 is in the Sheridan Region and is bordered by five CWD-positive mule deer areas: 29, 19, 22, 34 and 169. Deer Hunt Area 94 is in the Lander Region and is bordered by five CWD-positive mule deer areas: 92, 160, 97, 96 and 131. Elk Hunt Area 126 is located mostly within the Casper region and is bordered by seven CWD-positive elk areas: 3, 7, 122, 129, 113, 123 and 117.

To ensure hunters are informed, Game and Fish announces when CWD is found in a new hunt area. The Centers for Disease Control recommends hunters do not consume any animal that is obviously ill or tests positive for CWD.

Continued monitoring of CWD is important to help Game and Fish understand the potential impacts of the disease, as well as evaluate future management actions for deer and elk. A map of CWD endemic areas is available on the Game and Fish website. 

The disease is 100% fatal to deer, elk and moose that have been infected. In 2023, Game and Fish personnel tested more than 5,000 CWD lymph node samples from deer and elk — primarily submitted by hunters — and continue to evaluate new recommendations for trying to manage the disease. 

Visit the Game and Fish website for more information on chronic wasting disease testing, transmission and regulations on transportation and disposal of carcasses.