Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a deadly degenerative disease affecting the nervous system of cervids (deer, elk, and moose) in North America. This disease can be found throughout the body of the afflicted animals. “Hot spot” culling, the strategic removal of animals in a specific area, with the goal of removing infected animals is utilized in Montana to manage CWD. Currently, there are four management zones where CWD is known to exist across Montana and are managed mainly by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP). Montana FWP has implemented special CWD check stations across the state to test harvested animals. Each station can take tissue samples and submit them for testing. Montana Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, FWP biologists, and members of the public all work together to provide check stations to best monitor the spread of CWD. A majority of these stations are along highways and near towns to provide ample convenient opportunities for hunters as well as staff. CWD check stations play an important role in monitoring the spread of the disease. They gather data provided by hunters and allow hunters to assist in managing the disease while checking to make sure their meat is safe. The locations of these stations should be accessible to the most people who may be hunting in or around CWD management zones. The aim of this project is to evaluate the potential for new check station locations(s) that can serve the most hunters.
