Seven mule deer bucks were found to be suspect of chronic wasting disease in the last week, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
A press release states four were harvested in CWD-positive areas in Blaine and Carbon counties while three were harvested in Valley and Daniels counties.
FWP reported that in Valley County, a positive deer was harvested about 18 miles west of Opheim. In Daniels County, a positive deer was harvested 15 miles northwest of Scobey near the Canadian border, and another just inside the Fort Peck Reservation about 15 miles southwest of Scobey.
In addition, a mule deer buck was confirmed positive in Hill County. As a result, Hill County, north of U.S. Highway 2 is now a CWD-positive area.
FWP conducted surveillance across the Hi-Line during the general big game season, which ended on November 25, and samples from the surveillance efforts are coming in weekly. The next new batch is expected next week.
Once the majority of CWD sample results are collected, FWP officials will determine the next steps, which may include expanding current CWD-positive areas and expanding CWD transportation restriction zones.
For more information on chronic wasting disease, please visit FWP’s website.
