Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) presents one of the biggest challenges to Wisconsin’s deer populations, hunting culture, and ultimately, landowner investments in hunting properties. Caused by infectious prions, CWD affects deer, elk, and moose, progressively damaging their nervous systems until death. While there is currently no known cure, Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has developed comprehensive, science-based strategies to manage and mitigate the disease’s spread across the state.
For landowners in Buffalo County and statewide, understanding and implementing effective CWD management practices is crucial to protecting both wildlife and the value of your hunting land. Coulee Land Company stands alongside landowners committed to conservation, providing trusted advice integrating decades of outdoor experience with latest research.
Understanding CWD and Its Impact
CWD is a fatal neurological disease transmitted primarily through direct contact between cervids or via contaminated environments (soil, feed, water). It can persist for years in the environment, making eradication challenging. Wisconsin has managed CWD since the 1990s, with the disease now endemic in southern regions but closely monitored statewide.
The DNR’s stated goal is to minimize the geographic spread of CWD and reduce infected deer numbers through adaptive management interventions informed by ongoing surveillance.
Key CWD Management Strategies for Landowners
1. Practice Sound Deer Population Management
Deer density control reduces transmission risk. Wisconsin uses hunting seasons designed to reduce overall deer populations in infected areas, especially through:
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Liberal antlerless harvests (does and fawns).
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Landowner permits allowing extended deer take beyond regular seasons.
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Sharpshooting where necessary on public and private lands.
Landowners can improve herd health by encouraging focused doe harvests and cooperating with state management programs.
2. Avoid Artificial Feeding and Baiting
Feeding and baiting congregate deer unnaturally, heightening CWD transmission risk. Wisconsin prohibits baiting in many infected areas and strongly urges voluntary elimination of feeding statewide. Discontinuing feeding programs reduces deer density and contact rates, slowing disease spread.
3. Proper Carcass Disposal Is Essential
CWD prions can remain infectious in carcasses. The DNR issues strict guidelines on carcass transportation and disposal, particularly around testing positive areas. Landowners must ensure deer remains are disposed of safely—ideally by burial, deep composting, or disposal at approved facilities—to prevent environmental contamination.
4. Participate in CWD Surveillance and Testing
Landowners should encourage hunters to submit deer heads for CWD testing, especially in high-prevalence zones. Test results guide disease management plans and help identify emerging hotspots. Increased hunter awareness and participation in testing are foundational to containing CWD’s spread.
5. Collaborate with Agencies and Community
Effective CWD control requires cooperation between landowners, hunters, and agencies like the DNR and Department of Agriculture. Active communication ensures access to funding, resources, and updated science-based strategies. Participating in local deer management organizations and forums enhances knowledge sharing and unified response.
Advances and Challenges in CWD Control
Despite over twenty years of management, eliminating CWD remains unlikely due to prion persistence and complex transmission dynamics. Wisconsin’s current strategy embraces adaptive management—continually adjusting practices based on surveillance data and emerging research—as the best path forward.
Research efforts led by experts including Dr. James Kroll contribute essential insights into the ecology of CWD, deer movement patterns, and potential future interventions. Novel approaches such as vaccine development and genetic resistance studies are underway but not yet practical for widespread use.
Protecting Your Investment: Why CWD Management Matters to Landowners
For hunting landowners, CWD is not just a wildlife health issue—it directly impacts property value and hunting quality.
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Properties in high CWD prevalence zones often face depressed values due to reduced deer numbers and hunter interest.
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Maintaining robust herd health attracts trophy hunters willing to pay premium prices.
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Proactive land stewardship and CWD cooperation are viewed favorably in hunting land markets.
Coulee Land Company integrates CWD status and management quality into land evaluations and marketing. Our 5-star reviews confirm clients trust us to provide honest assessments and smart stewardship recommendations, maximizing your land’s long-term value.
Practical Steps You Can Take Right Now
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Eliminate feeding and baiting on your property.
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Cooperate fully with all state and local CWD monitoring efforts.
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Encourage and assist hunters with submitting samples for testing.
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Adjust your deer management plan to focus harvests on population control, prioritizing does.
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Safely dispose of carcasses and educate neighbors on best practices.
Conclusion
Chronic Wasting Disease poses real challenges to Wisconsin’s deer herds and landowners, but informed, proactive management can mitigate impacts and safeguard your hunting investment. By following state guidelines, cooperating with agencies, and promoting sound land stewardship, you play a vital role in controlling this disease.
Coulee Land Company stands ready to support landowners with expert advice, adaptive management strategies, and trusted representation to protect your land’s value and wildlife legacy for generations.