Chronic wasting disease: My perspective

Over the past several years, concern about the spread and impact of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has grown significantly. As outfitters, hunters, and conservationists, we find ourselves navigating an increasingly complex issue with no known cure. CWD poses a serious threat to the health and future of Wyoming’s deer and elk populations.

So, what can be done—and what is being done?

In 2019, I was invited to serve on a CWD working group made up of public members from across the state. Over the course of five public meetings, our group collaborated with wildlife professionals and the public to develop thoughtful ideas and recommendations. These were submitted to the Wyoming Game & Fish Department as part of the broader CWD Management Plan. I walked away from that experience with a deepened understanding of the issue, and I believe the collective input from the working group will be valuable as Game & Fish tackles one of the greatest wildlife management challenges of our time.

My family’s first-hand experience with CWD

This issue hit home for us in the fall of 2014. It was a big year—our son Gavin was finally old enough to hunt big game in Wyoming. On the last day of the season, he harvested a healthy-looking yearling mule deer buck, and we were all thrilled. On the way home, Gavin and my husband stopped at a Game & Fish checkpoint where a biologist asked to collect a lymph node sample for CWD testing. They agreed, not giving it much thought—after all, the deer showed no signs of illness.

A week later, we received a letter informing us that Gavin’s deer had tested positive for CWD. It was a shock, especially since it was the first recorded case in that particular unit. That moment sparked the same questions many hunters face: Is it safe to eat? Should we eat it? While there have been no confirmed cases of CWD transmission to humans, we chose to err on the side of caution. With guidance from Game & Fish, we disposed of the deer at an approved landfill for peace of mind.

Although Gavin’s first hunt ended with a positive CWD test, it didn’t dampen our enthusiasm for mule deer hunting—and we’ve been back out every season since.

Where we stand now

As Office Manager at SNS Outfitter & Guides, I’m often asked about CWD. My advice is simple: when possible, have your deer or elk tested. It offers two important benefits—peace of mind for you and valuable data for wildlife managers. Every test result helps Game & Fish better understand how this disease is spreading and how it’s affecting our local herds.

At SNS, we believe strongly in supporting these efforts. Wyoming’s wildlife is one of our state’s greatest treasures, and we’re committed to doing our part to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the animals and habitats we all cherish.