Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been previously detected in this unit, and the Department of Wildlife needs your help to monitor the current extent of the disease.

GMU 34 hunters can take part by bringing the head of your harvested animal to a CWD collection station. A collection station will be located at the intersection of Sunspot Highway and Cox Canyon Highway (State Road 130) on Oct. 17-21.

Heads should be brought to the station within 48 hours of the kill, but keeping the head cold or on ice (not frozen) can extend the window for testing. Your participation is voluntary and appreciated. Participating hunters will be entered into a special draw and may be selected to receive an elk or oryx incentive authorization!

Chronic Wasting Disease Restrictions

Remember that mandatory restrictions apply to carcass removal in this unit. You may remove only the following parts of your harvested deer or elk:

  • Meat that is cut and wrapped.
  • Meat that has been boned out.
  • Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the head or spinal column attached.
  • Hides with no heads attached.
  • Clean skull plates with antlers attached.
  • Antlers with no meat or tissue attached.
  • Canine teeth from elk (ivories).
  • Finished heads mounted by a taxidermist.

Chronic Wasting Disease Facts

  • CWD is a chronic, fatal disease of the central nervous system that affects the family Cervidae (mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose).
  • CWD belongs to the group of rare diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). These disorders are caused by abnormally folded proteins called “prions.”
  • Infected animals can shed prions in saliva, feces, urine and after death through remains.
  • If infection rates become high enough, CWD can affect a herd’s ability to sustain itself.
  • To date, there have been no reported cases of CWD infection in humans.
  • Public health officials advise against consuming meat or other tissue from infected animals.

Please visit the Department’s website for additional resources and more information on CWD.

Best of luck on your hunt!

*Note: Please share this information with anyone with a 2026-2027 deer or elk hunt in this GMU.