The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has called for the public’s assistance in monitoring for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) during the 2025 hunting season. CWD is a fatal disease that affects deer and moose populations. In fall 2024, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets confirmed a case of CWD at a captive deer facility in Columbia, Herkimer County. Following this, DEC tested 196 wild deer in the area and found no evidence of the disease among them.
For the 2025 hunting season, DEC will focus CWD sampling efforts in the towns of Columbia, German Flatts, Litchfield, Warren, and Winfield in Herkimer County, as well as Richfield in Otsego County. Hunters who harvest deer in these areas are encouraged to bring deer heads to one of eight designated drop-off locations for free testing. Taxidermists are also able to collect samples from deer intended for mounting. All testing will be provided at no cost, and hunters will be notified immediately if their deer tests positive for CWD.
Specific instructions have been provided for submitting deer heads, including preparation and labeling requirements. DEC emphasized the importance of hunters and taxidermists participating in this surveillance effort, stating, “Hunters and partners play a vital role in keeping New York’s wild deer herd free of CWD. DEC continues to work with the public to monitor deer health and prevent the disease from spreading. For details on CWD, DEC’s 2024 incident response, and ongoing surveillance plans, visit the Chronic Wasting Disease webpage.”
The DEC continues its collaboration with the public to monitor and protect New York’s wild deer and moose populations from CWD.
