GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected for the first time in Hunting District 404, located north of Great Falls. A mule deer buck, taken by a hunter, tested positive for CWD in two initial tests, though a final confirmation test was negative. Despite this, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) will treat it as the first detection of CWD in the district.
Hunters are encouraged to have their animals tested for CWD. They can bring their harvested animals to the FWP office in Great Falls, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the general hunting season. More information on testing can be found on the FWP website.
CWD is a contagious neurological disease affecting mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, and moose. It is always fatal, and no cure exists. The disease was first detected in Montana’s wild herds in 2017.
