The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to help monitor and slow the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) this deer season.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal, infectious nervous system disease found in the deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. The DNR started monitoring the state’s white-tailed deer population for the disease in 1999. The first positives were found in 2002.
For the past four years, people from all over the state have partnered with the DNR to put self-service kiosks and deer carcass disposal dumpsters out for hunters. This year, the Adopt-a-Kiosk and Adopt-a-Dumpster programs are looking for more volunteers to bring CWD testing and deer carcass disposal options for hunters.
“We know many Wisconsinites are looking to provide CWD services in their local areas. The original idea for Adopt-a-Dumpster came from hunters themselves. We then launched Adopt-a-Kiosk to provide even more opportunities to get involved,” said Amanda Kamps, DNR Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist. “Both programs give more hunters convenient opportunities to participate in CWD management around the state.”
Adopt-a-Dumpster partners can either donate the full cost of a dumpster or participate in the DNR’s cost-sharing program. The program makes sure that after getting DNR reimbursements, partners won’t pay more than $500 for their share. In most counties, cost-sharing is available for up to three locations.
