F&G proposes Unit 14 hunt changes in response to Chronic Wasting Disease

People can comment on proposed changes between Feb. 22 and March 13

Idaho Fish and Game Commission will consider proposed hunting season changes for Unit 14 in response to five deer and an elk testing positive for Chronic Wasting Disease. Hunters and other interested parties can comment on the proposals starting Feb. 22, and the deadline to comment is March 13. The commission is scheduled to decide on changes at its March 23-24 meeting at 600 S. Walnut St. in Boise.

Fish and Game staff will share information about CWD and the department’s plans for CWD management. The intent of proposed hunting season changes is to stop or slow the spread of CWD and keep the prevalence low, which is the number of animals within herds that have the disease.

Fish and Game’s 2021 CWD testing showed the amount of disease – or prevalence – is estimated to be less than 2 percent for deer and likely less in elk. Research from others states has shown that keeping the prevalence rate less than 5 percent can stop, or slow, the spread of the disease. When CWD prevalence rates increase above 5 percent, the disease is more likely to rapidly increase within the herd and spread geographically.

Fish and Game officials intend to increase the number of animals tested during regularly scheduled hunts during traditional hunting seasons.

The proposed season changes are consistent with Fish and Game’s CWD management plan.