CWD Deer Hunt South of Billings is Underway

The first weekend of a special deer hunt south of Billings showed some success, according to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks officials.

The hunt was created to get information on the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the hunting district in Carbon County, where six deer tested positive for CWD this fall. The hunt covers more than 1,200 square miles, south of Laurel. It includes parts of hunting district 575, 502, 510 and 520.

As of Monday morning, December 18, 107 deer had been checked in by hunters. There were 73 mule deer and 34 white-tailed deer. Tissue samples will be tested and results are expected within three weeks. CWD is a progressive, fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk and moose. States and provinces surrounding Montana have had CWD for years, but this is the first year for Montana deer to be diseased.

The hunt is open until February 15 or when a quota of 200 white-tailed and 200 mule deer is reached. 1,200 Permits were sold earlier for the special after-season hunt. More information is on the Montana FWP website.