Utah Wildlife Officials Request CWD Deer Testing
Hunters are asked to visit check stations this fall to help monitor Chronic Wasting Disease across the state.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Hunting
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The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is requesting that deer hunters stop at designated check stations for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing throughout the fall 2026 hunting season. Officials are monitoring the disease to maintain the health of deer, elk, and moose populations.
Why it matters
Active surveillance is necessary to manage Chronic Wasting Disease, which damages the nervous systems of cervids. Monitoring helps authorities track the prevalence of the condition in local herds.
A total of 435 mule deer and 11 elk have tested positive for the disease in Utah. Technicians are available in every region of the state to perform testing on harvested animals.
The players
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
This state agency is responsible for managing and protecting wildlife populations within Utah.
The details
Chronic Wasting Disease causes brain lesions, listlessness, and droopy ears in infected animals. The disease is currently located primarily in the northeastern and southeastern parts of Utah.
Timeline
During fall 2026, deer hunters are requested to stop at check stations.
Culture Shift
This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable wildlife management through public participation in state-led surveillance programs. It marks a departure from passive observation toward a model of collaborative ecological health monitoring between hunters and agencies.
Hunters should plan for additional time to stop at a check station during their outings this season. Adhering to these testing requests ensures that harvested meat is screened for disease before consumption.
The takeaway
Hunters play a crucial role in disease management by providing tissue samples that inform wildlife population health. Following state testing protocols is the best way for individuals to contribute to the long-term sustainability of local deer herds.
Further reading
For more information on state hunting regulations, visit the Utah Hunting portal.
More information
Review testing guidelines and station locations on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
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Do you support participating in mandatory or voluntary wildlife disease testing programs while hunting?
