WDFW adopts new rule to offer incentives for chronic wasting disease testing

SPOKANE- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) this week adopted a rule change allowing the Department to offer an incentive to hunters who have their harvested deer and elk tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD).

CWD is a fatal disease of deer, elk, and moose in North America. It spreads among animals through bodily fluids and contaminated soil, food, or water. To date, CWD has not been detected in Washington, but has been confirmed as close as Idaho and in 31 states and four Canadian provinces.

As part of its’ disease surveillance program, WDFW has asked hunters to have harvested deer and elk tested for CWD since 2021. The program’s goal is to detect the disease before it spreads widely throughout Washington.

With WDFW Director Kelly Susewind’s approval of this rule, hunters who harvest within the target surveillance area (currently Eastern Region 1) and submit deer or elk samples for CWD testing will be entered into a random drawing for one of 100 free multi-season deer tags.

“We’re happy to offer hunters another chance at a deer hunt through this drawing, while encouraging them to take steps to help keep our state free of chronic wasting disease,” said Kyle Garrison, WDFW ungulate section manager. “We’re also excited to team up with the Washington Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) on this effort to encourage people to have their harvested deer or elk tested.”

The tags for this drawing are funded in part by BHA. They are separate from regular multi-season deer tag drawing and will not affect those draw odds. A separate drawing will take place in April.

The adopted rule culminates a months-long process to develop and refine the rule, including a public comment period and public hearing required to change Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 220-412-090. To reference the full rule, visit WDFW’s website.

WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.