CWD conversations that are worth the time to watch

[SwampCat]

New study results published:

White-tailed deer population declines in a high-prevalence chronic wasting disease region of Arkansas, USA - PubMed

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting cervids worldwide. CWD was first detected in Arkansas in 2015 and as of August 2025 has been detected in 24 counties across the state. Within the Tier 1 CWD management zone of northern Arkansas, average...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting cervids worldwide. CWD was first detected in Arkansas in 2015 and as of August 2025 has been detected in 24 counties across the state. Within the Tier 1 CWD management zone of northern Arkansas, average apparent CWD prevalence exceeded 25% at the onset of our study in 2021. We tested the hypothesis that high prevalence of CWD negatively affects white-tailed deer population viability. We collected data from 243 camera traps and deployed GPS-collars on 131 adult deer to monitor population dynamics. Using spatial mark-resight models, we estimated density of adult deer from 2021 to 2024 at three sites across a presumed CWD gradient to assess the impacts of high CWD prevalence on deer abundance. Deer densities declined at all three study sites, at an average 17% (95% CI: 8% - 24%) decline per year. Male densities declined by an average 23% (95% CI: 5% - 31%) per year compared to 15% (95% CI: 2% - 23%) yearly declines for females. These findings suggest that CWD can negatively impact deer populations through direct reductions in density, but additional research is needed to determine if additional factors contributed to these declines. Furthermore, our findings suggest the populations we studied are not sustainable under current harvest regulations."

In the podcast I watched on that study, if I remember correctly, the researchers recommended increasing the doe population by 24% each year. Hunting with relaxed harvest restrictions was allowed during the study so with cwd and hunters, it about wiped the deer out. I think they said the deer population dropped to 1.5 dpsm. Our G&F did indicate a willingness to reduce doe harvest

 

[Bill]

That’s the first time I personally have read or heard any official statement that harvesting less deer might actually be a good idea.

But it’s just a consideration they haven’t implemented it yet.

The Arkansas CWD website still says they are offering bonus tags to kill more deer.

• Within the CWD Management Zone, the seasonal bag limit has been increased or adjusted.
• Landowners within the CWD Management Zone may apply for additional deer tags to harvest bonus deer. These deer must be submitted for CWD testing. Landowners should contact their local private lands biologist to receive these tags.

 

[SwampCat]

That’s the first time I personally have read or heard any official statement that harvesting less deer might actually be a good idea.

But it’s just a consideration they haven’t implemented it yet.

The Arkansas CWD website still says they are offering bonus tags to kill more deer.

• Within the CWD Management Zone, the seasonal bag limit has been increased or adjusted.
• Landowners within the CWD Management Zone may apply for additional deer tags to harvest bonus deer. These deer must be submitted for CWD testing. Landowners should contact their local private lands biologist to receive these tags.

I think if anything new happens, it will be fall of 2026. It will be interesting to see if they reverse any of their relaxed cwd restrictions now implemented, and secondly, if they do, will it just be in the study area or encompass a larger area. I honestly dont have much faith in them doing something positive

 

[BenA]

I haven't looked into the history of CWD in NW Arkansas besides the fact that the prevalence rate was already high when it was discovered. Would some people presume it was already at a point of no return? Did they increase harvest rates after the high prevalence was found? Would shutting down hunting in that area bring back the population? Was there an added harvest rate (increased days, sharpshooters, etc) in that area after the discovery, or was CWD the cause of the decline? How did the habitat change in the area since discovery?