Montana Updates CWD Management for 2024
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) department has announced new measures for managing chronic wasting disease (CWD) during the 2024 hunting season.
CWD, a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose, remains a top concern, and this year's efforts will focus on continued surveillance in designated Priority Sampling Areas across southwestern, central, and central-eastern Montana.
Carcass Disposal Requirements
Hunters are reminded of strict rules regarding the disposal of carcass parts to prevent the spread of CWD. Whenever possible, brain, eyes, spleen, lymph glands, and spinal cord material should be left at the kill site.
If carcasses are transported for taxidermy or meat processing, the brain and spinal tissue must be sealed in a bag and disposed of at a Class II landfill. Transportation of carcasses within the state is permitted, but hunters must ensure proper disposal after butchering.
The FWP warns that dumping carcasses is illegal and poses a serious risk of spreading diseases, including CWD. These regulations apply to all deer, elk, and moose harvested in Montana.
Mandatory and Voluntary CWD Testing
While submitting CWD samples remains voluntary in most of Montana, new mandatory testing is in place for certain areas near Libby. Hunters using Deer B License 199-20 in Hunting Districts (HDs) 100, 103, and 104, or Deer Permit 103-50 in HD 103, are required to submit samples of their harvested animals.
For other hunters who wish to have their animals tested, they can submit samples by following the steps outlined in the Montana CWD Submission Guide or by visiting a CWD sampling station.
Use of Scents in Hunting
FWP also reminds hunters of the regulations on scents used to attract deer and elk or mask human odor. The safest option is using artificial scents. However, scents certified by the Responsible Hunting Scent Association can also be used, which are identifiable by the DPP✓ or RtQUIC✓ labels.
Priority Sampling and Reporting Sick Animals
FWP urges hunters to stop at CWD sampling stations, particularly in Priority Sampling Areas where there is a concentrated effort to gather more samples. Hunters can find information on how and where to submit samples by visiting the FWP website.
Additionally, hunters are asked to report any sick-looking deer, elk, or moose to their local FWP office. If an animal appears diseased, hunters should limit handling and contact FWP immediately for guidance. FWP staff will determine whether the animal is fit for consumption or if a replacement tag is necessary.
For more information on chronic wasting disease and detailed guidelines, hunters are encouraged to visit the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/cwd.