Mandatory testing for infectious diseases in white-tailed deer, mule deer, and elk in select Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs) is now in effect ahead of the 2025-26 hunting season.
The battle against Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) continues, and in response to confirmed cases in two separate herds in 2023 and 2024, mandatory TB testing will take place in WMZs 37 and 39.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was first detected in wild deer in Saskatchewan in 2000 and has since been found in 63 of the province's 83 WMZs. Starting this hunting season, testing is now mandatory in WMZs 43,47,50 and 55.
If hunting in these zones during the draw or regular season, the animal's head must be submitted for testing within one month of harvest or by January 1, 2026, whichever comes first.
While testing may be mandatory in the zones listed above, the Ministry of Environment is encouraging voluntary participation in CWD testing for WMZs outside of those with mandatory testing. Drop-off zones can be found across the province and the tests are free of charge for those participating in the program.
Hunters can visit cwdsk.ca to register and receive a unique tracking number. Heads should be double bagged with the tracking number securely attached to the bag and dropped off at any designated CWD drop-off location.
For hunters wishing to retain and mount their head, sampling stations will be available in select locations. A technician will be available on-site to extract samples for testing. Hunters can visit saskatchewan.ca/bovinetb for more information about TB, including safe field dressing recommendations, how to submit a sample for testing, and a list of sampling station locations and hours.
Results of the tests will be posted on saskatchewan.ca/cwd within an approximate turnaround time of four to six weeks.
Along with expanding the mandatory testing requirements, the province is also expanding the carcass disposal program. Disposal bins will be made accessible to hunters, free of charge, to dispose of carcasses, carcass waste or meat from CWD positive animals. For a list of carcass disposal bin locations please visit saskatchewan.ca/cwd.