In response to detecting bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) in 2023 in a captive cattle herd, the Ministry of Environment will make game testing mandatory in specific wildlife management zones (WMZ) this hunting season. For the 2024-25 season, those hunting draw elk in WMZ 37 and elk and white-tailed deer during the regular season in WMZ 48 will be required to submit heads for testing within one month from the time the animal was harvested. Voluntary submissions of moose and mule deer harvested in WMZs 37 and 48 are also encouraged.

The ministry will also continue to measure and manage Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which remains a significant issue for wild deer, elk and moose populations in Saskatchewan. 
"We are committed to ensuring the health of Saskatchewan's wildlife populations," Environment Minister Christine Tell said. "To reduce the risk of bovine TB, and to measure and manage CWD, we depend on hunters submitting samples for testing. We appreciate their assistance, and we are grateful for their ongoing support of disease monitoring programs."

How to submit a sample for testing

The process to submit a sample for CWD or for bovine TB is the same. Hunters can visit cwdsk.ca to register and receive a unique tracking number. Game heads should be double bagged, with the tracking number securely attached to the bag and dropped off at any designated CWD drop-off location. Heads submitted for bovine TB testing will also be tested for CWD.

Samples for CWD testing can be submitted from elk, moose, and deer harvested anywhere in the province. Since the detection of the disease in wild deer in the province in 2000, CWD has now been found in 62 of the province's 83 wildlife management zones.

Sampling stations and on-site technicians to extract samples for testing will be at select locations. Visit saskatchewan.ca/bovinetb for dates and locations near you.