A male deer harvested Dec. 15, at the Pine Ridge Hunting Preserve in Davis County has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), which is the third positive test for the fatal disease at this facility. The initial positive sample was confirmed in July that was submitted from a deer shot in December 2011. The second positive test was confirmed December 12 from a deer harvested Dec. 1. As part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ CWD response plan, the hunting preserve has been providing test samples from each deer shot at its facility. So far, 195 deer and nine elk have been taken according to the depopulation agreement with the landowner.
Clients at the hunting preserve are only allowed to take the cape and antlers attached to a clean skull plate from the facility.
The DNR is continuing to collect samples of wild deer harvested from the five mile zone surrounding the facility with a goal of 300 samples. Iowa’s deer seasons available in Davis County run through Jan. 20.
For more information contact Bruce Trautman, Deputy Director, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-281-5742.