What to Do With a Positive Result

It's a moment no hunter ever wants to face: you've put in the time, made a clean shot, and meticulously processed your harvest, only to receive that dreaded notification. A CWD positive test result for your hard-earned deer or elk. It's truly disheartening, a mix of disappointment, frustration, and maybe even a little confusion about what to do next. This comprehensive guide is here to walk you through exactly what a positive Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) result means in Saskatchewan, the practical steps you need to take, and how to navigate the regulations to ensure you're doing your part for wildlife conservation.

Understanding Your CWD Positive Result in Saskatchewan

Receiving news that your harvested animal has tested positive for CWD can feel like a punch to the gut. All that effort, all that anticipation of venison in the freezer, suddenly clouded by this unforeseen outcome. It's a reality that more hunters are facing as CWD continues to spread across parts of the province, and understanding the implications is the first step in dealing with it responsibly.

The Initial Notification and What It Means

Typically, if you've submitted a head for CWD testing in Saskatchewan, you'll receive your results via email or through your online HAL account. When that email lands with a "positive" confirmation, it's natural to feel a wave of emotions. Don't think for a second that this result is a reflection of your hunting skill, your ethics, or anything you did wrong. CWD is a naturally occurring, albeit highly concerning, disease in wildlife populations. Your participation in the CWD testing program is actually a huge service to wildlife management, providing critical data that helps track the disease's spread and prevalence. This initial notification will usually include details about the specific animal, the date of submission, and a clear indication of the positive result. It might also include initial guidance on carcass disposal, which is the most immediate concern.

CWD and Its Implications for Wildlife

Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal, neurological disease that affects cervids – that's deer, elk, moose, and caribou. It's caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which slowly accumulate in the brain and other tissues, leading to symptoms like emaciation, abnormal behaviour, excessive drooling, and ultimately, death. Unlike bacterial or viral diseases, prions are incredibly resilient and can persist in the environment for years, making CWD a particularly challenging disease to manage. In Saskatchewan, CWD has been a growing concern, primarily affecting white-tailed deer and mule deer, though elk and moose can also contract it. The presence of CWD in a herd can lead to population declines and impact the overall health and vitality of our cherished game animals. This is why initiatives like mandatory testing in certain areas are so vital for tracking the disease. To learn more about the broader picture, check out our guide on How Many Saskatchewan Zones Have CWD.

Mandatory vs. Voluntary Testing

Saskatchewan utilizes a combination of mandatory and voluntary CWD testing, which can sometimes create confusion for hunters. In certain Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs) and for specific species, CWD testing is mandatory. This means hunters harvesting an animal in these designated areas during specific seasons are required by law to submit a sample for testing. This is especially true in areas where the disease is known to be prevalent or where surveillance efforts are concentrated. For example, some southern prairie and parkland zones often have mandatory testing requirements for deer.

Beyond mandatory zones, hunters are strongly encouraged to participate in voluntary testing, even if they hunt in areas where CWD isn't as widespread or where testing isn't required. Every submitted sample provides valuable data points that help the Ministry of Environment monitor the disease's distribution and intensity across the province. If you received a positive result, it means you were part of this crucial surveillance effort, whether you submitted a sample due to a mandatory requirement or as a proactive measure. You can find more details on current requirements in Saskatchewan's CWD Testing Rules or Mandatory CWD Testing Zones.

Navigating the Regulations After a Positive CWD Test

After the initial shock wears off, the practical reality sets in: you have an animal that tested positive for CWD, and there are specific steps you need to take. This isn't just about following rules; it's about protecting our wildlife resources and minimizing the risk of further disease transmission. The regulations are in place for a good reason, and adhering to them is a critical part of being a responsible hunter.

Carcass Disposal and Handling Requirements

This is arguably the most important immediate action after receiving a positive CWD result. The goal of proper disposal is to prevent the prions from entering the environment and potentially infecting other animals. In Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Environment provides clear guidelines for the disposal of CWD-positive carcasses.

Here’s what you generally need to do:

• Do Not Consume: The most critical directive is to not consume any part of a CWD-positive animal. This will be covered in more detail later, but it's paramount for public health and safety.
• Double Bag and Transport: The carcass, or any parts of it you still possess (e.g., bones, hide, remaining meat), should be securely double-bagged to prevent leakage.
• Landfill Disposal: The preferred method of disposal is taking the double-bagged carcass to a provincially approved landfill. Not all landfills accept animal carcasses, so it's vital to contact your local landfill or municipal waste disposal site before you go to confirm their policy. Many landfills have specific areas or protocols for CWD-positive waste.
• Deep Burial: If landfill disposal is not a viable option, deep burial can be considered, but it must be done carefully. The carcass should be buried at least 6 feet deep on private land, in a location where scavengers cannot easily dig it up and away from water sources. This option typically requires permission from the landowner and adherence to any local bylaws regarding burial. It's often recommended to contact the Ministry of Environment for guidance if deep burial is your only option.
• No "Roadside" Dumping: Absolutely do not discard the carcass in ditches, fields, or any public land. This practice is illegal and creates a direct risk for other wildlife to become infected.

Remember, the prions that cause CWD are highly resistant to decomposition and can persist in soil for many years. Proper disposal is about breaking the chain of transmission.

Reporting and Record Keeping

Beyond disposal, there are usually reporting requirements after a positive CWD test. While the initial notification likely came from the Ministry of Environment after their lab analysis, it's always wise to confirm if any further actions are needed on your part.

• Follow Ministry Instructions: Carefully read all instructions provided with your positive test result. There might be a specific contact number or email for follow-up questions.
• Maintain Records: Keep a copy of your test result, documentation of when and how you disposed of the carcass (e.g., landfill receipt, date of burial), and any correspondence with the Ministry. This documentation is crucial for your own records and in case of any future inquiries.
• Consider Future Submissions: Your continued participation in CWD testing, even if voluntary, remains essential. You can find out more about the submission process, including Where to Drop a Head for CWD Testing, to prepare for your next hunt.

Platforms like GoHunt can be invaluable for hunters looking to stay updated on the latest regulations and reporting requirements. While they don't handle the official reporting, they can help you quickly access zone maps and understand which areas are under specific CWD surveillance.

Zone-Specific Rules and Future Hunting Considerations

A positive CWD result doesn't just affect the current animal; it often has implications for how you might plan future hunts, especially if you hunt in the same general area. Saskatchewan's CWD management strategies are often zone-specific, meaning rules and recommendations can vary.

• Understanding Zone Prevalence: If your animal tested positive in a specific WMZ, it highlights that CWD is present in that area. This knowledge should inform your future hunting practices. You might consider adjusting where you hunt within that zone, or perhaps even exploring areas with lower known CWD prevalence. Our guide on Reading a Saskatchewan WMZ Map Before You Go can help you visualize these boundaries and prevalence data.
• Carcass Transportation Rules: One key regulation to be aware of relates to transporting carcasses out of CWD-positive zones. To prevent the spread of prions, there are strict rules about moving intact cervid carcasses from a CWD-positive area to another zone. Typically, only certain parts of the animal, such as deboned meat, cleaned skull plates, or hides without spinal tissue, can be transported. If you were planning to take your animal to a different location for processing, a positive CWD result will immediately require you to reassess these plans and adhere to the guidelines on Moving a Carcass Between Zones.
• Impact on Herd Management: High CWD prevalence in a zone can also influence future tag allocations or specific hunting season dates, as wildlife managers try to mitigate the disease's impact on herd health. Staying informed through the official Saskatchewan hunting guide is always recommended.

Food Safety and Personal Considerations

Beyond the regulations and conservation aspect, a CWD positive result hits home directly when it comes to the meat itself. For many, hunting is primarily about putting healthy, organic protein on the table. The inability to consume your harvest after a positive CWD test is one of the toughest pills to swallow.

The "Do Not Eat" Recommendation

This cannot be stressed enough: do not consume any part of an animal that has tested positive for CWD. While there is currently no direct scientific evidence of CWD prions causing disease in humans, health authorities globally, including those in Canada and Saskatchewan, strongly advise against consuming meat from CWD-positive animals. This is a precautionary measure to eliminate any potential risk.

For hunters, this recommendation is heartbreaking. You've worked hard, you've invested time and money, and the anticipation of filling your freezer with venison is a huge part of the reward. To have that taken away by a disease that you can't see or taste is incredibly frustrating. It's perfectly normal to feel a sense of loss. Many hunters take immense pride in providing for their families through hunting, and a positive CWD test directly undermines that core value. Embrace the feelings of disappointment; they are valid.

Cleaning Gear and Preventing Contamination

When you handle any harvested animal, especially one from a CWD-prone area, thorough cleaning of all your gear is a non-negotiable step. If you've received a positive CWD result, this becomes even more critical to prevent any potential environmental contamination. Prions are tough, resisting many common disinfectants and high temperatures, so a rigorous cleaning protocol is essential.

Here’s a detailed approach:

• Knives and Processing Tools: After field dressing and processing, all knives, saws, cutting boards, and other tools that came into contact with the carcass should be meticulously cleaned. Start by scrubbing off all visible organic material with soap and water. Then, immerse or thoroughly wipe down tools with a bleach solution (e.g., 50% bleach, 50% water) for at least one minute. Rinse thoroughly. While bleach isn't 100% effective against prions, it's one of the few recommended disinfectants.
• Coolers and Containers: Any coolers, tubs, or containers used to transport or store the meat should be scrubbed with soap and water, then treated with the bleach solution. Pay close attention to corners and crevices where organic matter might hide.
• Clothing and Gloves: Disposable gloves should be discarded immediately after handling a CWD-positive animal. Reusable gloves should be thoroughly washed and disinfected. All clothing that came into contact with the carcass should be washed on a hot cycle with a strong detergent.
• Vehicle Interior: If the carcass or any parts were transported in your vehicle, ensure you thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces that might have been exposed. Use a bleach solution on non-porous surfaces and consider steam cleaning or deep cleaning carpets and upholstery.
• Work Surfaces: If you processed the animal at home, ensure all work surfaces are scrubbed clean and disinfected with bleach solution.

The key is to remove all organic matter first, as prions can bind to tissue, and then apply disinfectants. This meticulous approach helps safeguard your environment and prevent the accidental spread of prions.

Mental and Emotional Impact on Hunters

It’s easy to focus solely on the scientific and regulatory aspects of CWD, but the emotional toll on hunters is real. The investment of time, money, and passion that goes into a hunt is substantial. When a positive CWD result negates the harvest, it can be disheartening, leading to feelings of sadness, frustration, and even a sense of injustice.

Many hunters feel a deep connection to the animals they pursue and the lands they hunt. Knowing that a disease like CWD is impacting these populations can be a source of significant concern for the future of hunting and wildlife. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings. You're not alone in feeling this way. Remind yourself that by participating in the CWD testing program, you are contributing directly to the health and management of Saskatchewan's wildlife, even when the outcome isn't what you hoped for. Your actions, though difficult, are a vital part of the bigger conservation picture, helping wildlife managers understand and combat this persistent disease.

Contributing to CWD Management and Future Hunting Practices

While a positive CWD test is a tough pill to swallow, your experience as a hunter provides valuable data that is critical to managing this disease. Your actions, both now and in future hunting seasons, play a significant role in helping wildlife agencies understand and respond to CWD in Saskatchewan.

The Role of Hunters in CWD Surveillance

Without hunters, the CWD surveillance program in Saskatchewan simply wouldn't be as effective. Every submitted head, every tested animal, provides a piece of the puzzle that scientists and wildlife managers use to map the disease's spread, understand its prevalence, and identify areas of concern. When you receive a positive result, it reinforces the importance of this participation. You've provided concrete evidence of CWD presence in a specific location, which helps inform future management decisions, research efforts, and public advisories.

This data directly influences where mandatory testing zones are established, where targeted research might occur, and how public information campaigns are shaped. It’s a direct link between the field and the lab, and your contribution is deeply appreciated by those working to protect Saskatchewan's wildlife heritage. For hunters wanting to ensure they are fulfilling all requirements, guides like Getting Your Saskatchewan CWD Result are helpful.

Best Practices for Future Hunts in CWD Areas

Knowing CWD is present in certain areas, or even in your specific hunting spot, requires adapting your hunting practices for the future. Being proactive can help reduce risks and continue to contribute to conservation.

Here are some best practices:

• Target Young Animals: While it's not a guarantee, younger animals are less likely to have advanced CWD infections. If you're hunting in a CWD-prevalent zone, consider focusing on younger animals where legal and practical.
• Leave High-Risk Tissues at the Kill Site: When field dressing, minimize the spread of high-risk tissues. These include the brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, and lymph nodes. If possible, field dress at the kill site and leave these parts there, rather than transporting them out of the area. This aligns with the "Moving a Carcass Between Zones" rules, which emphasize leaving high-risk materials behind.
• Debone Your Meat: If you plan to process your animal outside the WMZ where it was harvested, or even if you’re just being extra cautious, consider deboning all your meat at the kill site or at a local facility within the zone. This ensures that no spinal cord or bone marrow (which can harbor prions) is transported.
• Utilize Testing: Continue to submit samples for CWD testing, even if it's voluntary in your chosen area. The more data collected, the better the understanding of the disease. Make sure you know The CWD Head Submission Deadline to ensure your samples are accepted.
• Stay Informed: CWD research and management strategies are constantly evolving. Regularly check the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment website or resources from reputable organizations. Using tools like GoHunt can help you quickly reference current regulations, zone boundaries, and CWD updates specific to Saskatchewan, allowing you to plan your hunts with the most up-to-date information.

These practices, while sometimes requiring extra effort, are crucial steps in mitigating the spread of CWD and ensuring the long-term health of our wildlife populations. This commitment to responsible hunting is a hallmark of the Saskatchewan hunting community, whether you're chasing Whitetail Hunting in Saskatchewan, Elk Hunting in Saskatchewan, or Moose Hunting Saskatchewan's Farmland and Forest.

Resources and Information for Hunters

Navigating CWD information can feel overwhelming, but there are reliable resources available to keep you informed and guide your actions.

• Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment: This is your primary and most authoritative source for all CWD-related information, including regulations, testing zones, submission requirements, and current advisories. Their annual hunting guide and website are invaluable.
• Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF): The SWF often provides accessible information and advocacy related to CWD, offering resources and helping hunters understand the implications for conservation efforts in the province.
• GoHunt: As mentioned, platforms like GoHunt can be excellent supplementary tools for hunters. While not an official regulatory body, they aggregate vast amounts of mapping data, regulations, and public land information, which can be crucial for planning hunts in CWD-affected areas and ensuring you're up-to-date on any changes.
• Local Processors and Butchers: If you use a professional meat processor, they are often well-versed in CWD regulations and can offer practical advice on handling and processing game from CWD-affected areas. Many will also be familiar with Saskatchewan Hunter Education Requirements.

Action Item	Description	Why It's Important
Do Not Consume Meat	Immediately discard all meat from the CWD-positive animal.	Precautionary measure against potential human health risks.
Proper Carcass Disposal	Double-bag and take to an approved landfill or perform deep burial.	Prevents environmental contamination and further spread of prions.
Thorough Gear Cleaning	Disinfect knives, tools, coolers, and vehicle interior with bleach solution.	Removes prions from surfaces, minimizing transmission risk.
Maintain Records	Keep copies of test results and disposal documentation.	For personal reference and potential future inquiries.
Stay Informed	Regularly check official sources for updated CWD information and regulations.	Ensures compliance and informs responsible hunting practices.
Continue Testing	Participate in mandatory and voluntary CWD testing programs.	Provides crucial data for disease surveillance and management.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official legal or regulatory advice. CWD regulations and recommendations can change. Always consult the most current Saskatchewan Hunter's and Trapper's Guide and the official Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding CWD testing, carcass disposal, and hunting regulations in the province.