Want to Slow CWD? New Study Says to Hunt Big Bucks

In news that is sending ‘hell yeah’ vibes through the entire hunting community, a new study has concluded that one of the most effective ways of curbing chronic wasting disease is by shooting big ol’ bucks.

The study, which brings news we can all get behind, was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in tandem with Wyoming Game and Fish. Using data from two decades worth of CWD trends among Wyoming deer herds, the paper concluded that the taking of large, mature bucks works wonders when it comes to slowing the spread of the neurological disease.

In a state where CWD has since infected 35 of the state’s 37 mule deer herds, the study stated that researchers believed that by harvesting 40 percent of adult bucks every year for the next 20 years would result in an overall CWD prevalence of roughly 5 percent.

“Although high harvest is unlikely to completely eradicate CWD,” write the paper’s authors, “our analysis suggests that maintaining hunting pressure on adult males is an important tactic for slowing CWD epidemics within mule deer herds.”

With some infected herds boasting a CWD prevalence of more than 50 percent, this news presents a new found source of hope and gives Wyoming hunters a sense of accomplishment when chasing after big bucks each fall. Study authors also noted that many of the deer herds that were monitored during the study resided in general hunting units.  Because of this, they are imploring Game and Fish officials to consider increasing available licenses and season lengths in an effort to get more bucks on the ground, thus curbing the effects of the deadly disease.

Whether or not the study will have sweeping reform capabilities inside the state’s Game and Fish Department remains to be seen. In looking at the data presented in the study, it’s difficult to ignore the long-term effects that 20-or-so years of increased hunting pressure might have on infected deer herds not just in Wyoming, but across the country.

“Our results suggest that the use of hunting is a promising, scientifically supported way to manage chronic wasting disease; however, it is important to note that this approach is more likely to slow the disease down than eradicate it,” said Paul Cross, co-author on the study and USGS scientist. “This study provides important evidence about the effects of hunting on wildlife disease management for deer.”