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Herd of deer in field

Conservation > Wildlife Chronic Wasting Disease in Montana

CWD is a 100 percent fatal disease that infects members of the deer family, including elk, moose, mule deer, and white-tailed deer.


Hunting is the primary tool for monitoring and managing the spread of CWD. Concerns over CWD shouldn’t stop you from enjoying hunting season. Hunters are critical to conservation efforts across the state and protecting our wildlife heritage.

What you need to know

elk herd

Hunter test results are updated daily.

Check your results 
Youth deer hunter

Be prepared before you head out in the field

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Harvested animal getting sampled

Collecting and submitting samples for CWD testing

Hunter info >
Biologist at check station

2023 season info and frequently asked questions

CWD Management >
Dashboard screenshot

Current CWD Sampling Summary

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CWD map

Where does CWD occur in Montana?

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Carcass Disposal

Dumping carcasses is illegal, unethical and can spread diseases, including chronic wasting disease. Infected animals that are dead or alive can contribute to the spread of CWD. Scientists believe CWD prions likely spread between animals through body fluids like feces, saliva, blood, or urine, either through direct contact or indirectly through environmental contamination of soil, food or water.

All carcass parts, such as brain, eyes, spleen, lymph glands, and spinal cord material, should be bagged and disposed of in a landfill or may be left at the kill site.

Protect our herds: properly dispose of carcasses.

View interactive map of CWD Carcass Disposal Sites 
Properly Dispose of CWD Carcasses bulletin