Oklahoma Reports First Case of CWD in Wild Deer

by
posted on June 12, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Oklahoma CWD In Wild Deer Lead

A white-tailed deer in the Oklahoma Panhandle has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), marking the first case in a free-ranging wild deer in the state.

A Texas County landowner reported the deer to the ODWC after witnessing it behaving abnormally. The deer was recovered near Optima and testing was conducted.

“While this is unfortunate news, it is not unexpected since CWD has already been detected in every state that borders Oklahoma. We will be working through our response plan to ensure we can monitor potential spread and keep our state’s deer herd healthy,” said Jerry Shaw, Wildlife Programs Supervisor with ODWC.

The Wildlife Department has conducted CWD monitoring on hunter-harvested deer, elk and road-killed deer since 1999. This case marks the first time the disease has been detected in laboratory testing of tissue samples from more than 10,000 wild deer and elk from throughout Oklahoma.

The Wildlife Department says it will continue monitoring for evidence of CWD within the state’s borders and will release additional information, including ways deer and elk hunters can help with detection and mitigation, as hunting seasons approach.

For more information on the disease, hunting regulations and proper disposal of infected animals, visit wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/resources/deer/cwd.

Latest

Ode To 270 Winchester Lead
Ode To 270 Winchester Lead

An Ode to the .270 Winchester

What is it about the .270 Winchester that remains so appealing to hunters? Sometimes the designers get things right the first time, and if you wanted to develop a cartridge to rival the venerated .30-06, the .270 comes about as close as is practically possible.

First Look: XS Sights 28 M-Lok Slot Handguard for S&W Model 1854

The new XS Sights handguard for Smith & Wesson’s Model 1854 lever-action rifle offers an added level of customization to the platform.

Remington Rimfire Ammo Roundup

Big Green feeds the .22s oh so well.

New for 2025: Kings Camo XKG Shift Collection

Kings Camo has introduced the XKG Shift Collection, a line of quiet, windproof and ultra-versatile apparel designed with whitetail hunters in mind.

Tips & Tricks for Early Season Canada Geese

As anticipated, the first family flock of Canada geese lifted off their nearby river roost, nearly skimmed the big-leafed cottonwoods and set their wings. I called once, letting the half-dozen full-body decoys do the rest. Five birds came in, three left.

First Look: Maven RFZ.1 Zoom Rangefinder

Maven Outdoor Equipment Company, a Wyoming-based brand, has expanded its premium RF series with the launch of the RFZ.1, a laser rangefinder featuring variable magnification.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.