Regulations remain in effect in response to the state response to chronic wasting disease (CWD) which has been confirmed in Fayette, Hardeman and Madison counties. The proximity of these CWD positive locations to border counties have added Chester, Haywood, McNairy, Shelby and Tipton to the CWD Management Zone (CMZ).
Feeding wildlife is prohibited in the CMZ. Feeding sites increase contact between deer, thereby increasing the likely spread of CWD. Not feeding wildlife helps prevent the spread of CWD.
Grain, salt products, minerals or other consumable natural and manufactured products may not be made accessible to deer. The ban does not apply to feed placed within 100 feet of a residence such as bird feeders, feed placed in a manner not accessible to deer, or feed and minerals as the result of normal agricultural practices. If feed has been placed, it must be removed or made inaccessible. Food plots are still legal in the CMZ.
So far 185 deer have tested positive for CWD out of the over 3,000 deer sampled this season.
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The Agency’s initial CWD response efforts were successful with the assistance of hunters in sampling more than 2,700 deer for the disease in the CWD Management Zone.
“Thanks to the cooperation of hunters and efforts by Agency staff, we exceeded our sampling goals for the CWD Management Zone,” said Chuck Yoest, CWD Coordinator. “The information gathered from these efforts is critical to developing a successful long-term CWD management plan.”
“Thanks to the cooperation of hunters and efforts by Agency staff, we exceeded our sampling goals for the CWD Management Zone,” said Chuck Yoest, CWD Coordinator. “The information gathered from these efforts is critical to developing a successful long-term CWD management plan.”
Once all CWD test results are received and analyzed, final development of the long-term CWD management plan will be completed.