Hunting News

Informational public meetings to address CWD issues

Informational public meetings to address CWD issues

By Illinois Department of Natural Resources

A series of public meetings to provide information about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), its effect on future deer populations, and the state’s efforts to control the disease have been scheduled, with DNR staff members available to answer questions.

Landowners, hunters and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend.  CWD is an important issue that will dominate deer management discussions in Illinois for many years.

First documented in Illinois in 2002 near Roscoe, Illinois, CWD has been detected in 17 counties across the northern edge and northeastern portions of Illinois, as far south as Kankakee and Livingston counties.  Counties affected include Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, Carroll, Ogle, Dekalb, Kane, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, Livingston and Kankakee.

CWD is an always fatal neurological disease that is threatening the long-term health of white-tailed deer in Illinois.

Although CWD has not been detected in southern Illinois, the Missouri Department of Conservation has detected CWD in the southeastern portion of their state near St. Mary, Mo.  The meetings scheduled in Randolph County will address developments in Missouri and discuss IDNR plans to enhance CWD surveillance in Illinois in this area.

The meetings will begin at 7 p.m. with a 30-minute presentation and discussion to follow. 
• September 18 – St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 302 W. Holmes St., Chester, Ill. • September 19 – World Shooting and Recreational Complex, 1 Main Event Lane #510, Sparta, Ill. • September 24 – Nash Recreation Center, Oregon Park District, 304 S. 5th St., Oregon, Ill. • September 25 – Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, 5010 N. Jugtown Rd, Morris, Ill. • September 26 – Big Rock Pavilion and Community Center, 6th St., Big Rock, Ill. • October 2 – Orangeville Village Hall, 301 S. East St., Orangeville, Ill.

For more information about the meetings or about CWD, contact Doug Dufford, Wildlife Disease Program Manager, by calling (815)369-2414 or send an email to doug.dufford@illinois.gov.

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