New programs offered additional CWD testing and disposal options for hunters

New programs offered additional CWD testing and disposal options for hunters

Contact(s): Tami Ryan, DNR wildlife health section chief, 414-750-8360

MADISON – State wildlife officials are thanking those who participated in the first year of the Adopt-a-Kiosk and Adopt-a-Dumpster programs, expanding hunter access to chronic wasting disease testing and carcass disposal. Individuals and organizations volunteered to adopt kiosks and Dumpsters in their area, supporting their local hunters and assisting with chronic wasting disease monitoring.

An adopt-a-kiosk CWD sampling station.Photo credit: DNR

The primary goal of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Adopt-a-Kiosk is to work with volunteers to enhance CWD sample numbers, ease and options for hunters. In 2018, DNR offered three levels of participation in the Adopt-a-Kiosk program, and participants could also volunteer to construct and donate a kiosk the program. DNR provided all kiosk supplies, and participants were responsible for all costs and followed guidelines associated with their level of involvement.

The Adopt-a-Dumpster program aims to give hunters options for appropriate deer carcass disposal, especially in areas where options are otherwise limited or not available. Adopt-a-Dumpster volunteers sponsored dumpsters throughout the deer season at locations mutually agreed upon with DNR. Participants were responsible for all costs and followed guidelines associated with the dumpster.

“These programs provide an opportunity for conservation groups or individuals to assist with CWD surveillance and reduce risk of disease spread through proper deer carcass disposal. In fact, we developed these programs in response to hunter interest,” said Tami Ryan, DNR wildlife health section chief.

“We sincerely appreciate the contributions of these individuals and organizations and thank them for their help. These partnerships are an important piece in the success of statewide CWD efforts,” said Ryan.

For more information search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword “CWD.”

For the 2018 deer season, volunteers sponsored two adopted kiosks and 16 adopted Dumpsters: