Division outlines trial mandatory CWD testing in Ogden unit; first year limited and voluntary for elk

At the Nov. 12 Northern RAC meeting, Division wildlife staff described a proposed mandatory chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing pilot focused on a target deer unit (Ogden unit). The plan sets an initial goal of about 300 deer samples and expands sample access beyond check stations by using staffed drop‑off freezers and other local submission points.

Ginger Stout, the presenting biologist, said the program will include instructional outreach (a video demonstrating how hunters can collect lymph‑node samples) so hunters can self‑submit. She said elk testing in the unit will be offered on a voluntary basis during the pilot year.

Explaining logistics, staff said hunters should keep samples cool and can submit them within one to two days if refrigerated; frozen lymph‑node samples will also be accepted. Stout described the first year as a trial: "This initial year will be a trial period," she said, and added the Division will assess the pilot before considering expansion to other units or seasons. She also noted the rule contains a fee provision related to the program and that enforcement and repercussions will be evaluated after the trial year.

RAC members asked about sample timelines, whether archery/muzzleloader harvests would be encouraged to submit samples and how drop‑off sites would be staffed. Public input was limited; one online commenter asked that testing centers be reliably staffed and accessible to hunters, a request staff said they planned to meet.

The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken by the RAC on the pilot during the meeting.