ST. PAUL, Minn. – The targeted culling of deer to try and contain the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) is being ended in parts of southeastern Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the practice is being discontinued in deer permit area 646, south of Winona, and deer permit areas 647 and 648, mostly in Fillmore County. The DNR says that’s because CWD, a fatal, neurodegenerative disease that affects deer, elk, and moose, has reached endemic stage, or a point in which some of the current methods of management are no longer effective.
“While it is disappointing that CWD prevalence has been increasing in these areas, it still remains relatively low compared to neighboring states, and we have not given up efforts to minimize its impact,” says Wildlife Health Program Supervisor Michelle Carstensen. “There are still many opportunities in these deer permit areas and statewide for hunters and landowners to engage in the fight against CWD, including participating in liberalized hunting opportunities, getting deer tested for the disease, and following safe carcass disposal guidelines.”…