Additional deer hunting, CWD testing in Hardin, Marion, Wyandot counties

Hunters in Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties will have additional opportunities to harvest white-tailed deer as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife continues to monitor for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the region.

Since the fall of 2020, 23 wild deer in Ohio have tested positive for CWD, all in Marion and Wyandot counties, according to a Sept. 8 news release from ODNR. A disease surveillance area was established in Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties in 2021 and remains in effect. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer and other similar species, including mule deer, elk, and moose. No evidence exists that CWD can spread to humans, pets, or livestock, according to the release.

The Division of Wildlife established earlier hunting seasons within the disease surveillance area to slow the spread of CWD by reducing deer numbers before the breeding season. Archery hunting season began Saturday, Sept. 9, and an early gun hunting season is open Oct. 7-9.

CWD sampling is required for all deer harvested within the disease surveillance area Oct. 7-9, Nov. 4-5, Nov. 11-12, and during the entire seven-day gun season (Nov. 27-Dec. 3), according to the release. Staffed sampling locations will be available during gun season at the following addresses:

• Big Island Wildlife Area Headquarters, 5389 Larue-Prospect Road West, New Bloomington
• Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area Headquarters, 19100 County Highway 115, Harpster
• Wyandot County Fairgrounds, 10171 state Route 53, Upper Sandusky
• Rural King, 233 American Blvd., Marion
• Hardin County Fairgrounds, 14134 County Road 140, Kenton
• McGuffey Conservation Club, 6950 Township Road 55, Ada

Outside the seven-day gun season, hunters should use self-serve kiosks for mandatory sampling or for free voluntary sampling throughout the deer season (through Feb. 4, 2024), according to the release. Kiosk locations are available at ohiodnr.gov/cwd. Instructions for sample submission will be provided at the kiosk. Successful hunters are not required to surrender their deer. Those with questions on having their deer sampled should call 419-429-8322.

Outside the disease surveillance area, hunters may test a harvested deer at the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for a fee. Call 614-728-6220 for more information.

In addition to mandatory testing, the following regulations apply within the disease surveillance area:

• The placement of or use of bait (salt, minerals, or any food) to attract or feed deer, as well as the hunting of deer by the aid of bait, is prohibited. Normal agricultural activities, including feeding of domestic animals, as well as hunting deer over food plots, naturally occurring or cultivated plants, and agriculture crops, are not prohibited.
• The removal of a complete carcass or high-risk parts from the disease surveillance area is prohibited unless the carcass complies with deer carcass regulations, or the carcass is delivered to a certified taxidermist or processor within 24 hours of leaving the area.

Additional information on carcass regulations and a complete list of certified processors and taxidermists can be found at ohiodnr.gov/cwd.

The proper handling of carcasses, trims, and parts dramatically decreases the risk of spreading disease, according to the release. Hunters should properly dispose of deer carcasses by double-bagging all high-risk parts (brain, spinal cord, eyes, and lymphoid tissue) and setting them out with their household garbage for trash pickup, when permitted by waste disposal facilities. Those without trash pickup may double-bag the carcass and take it to a municipal solid-waste landfill or bury the carcass at least 3 feet deep on the property of harvest. The Division of Wildlife provides receptacles in the disease surveillance area for proper carcass disposal.

The Division of Wildlife has conducted routine surveillance for CWD since 2002, with more than 39,000 deer tested, according to the release. CWD has been detected in 31 states and four Canadian provinces.
For more information about CWD, visit wildohio.gov, contact your county wildlife officer, or call 419-429-8322.