Illinois Hunters to Meet After Health of Popular Species Threatened

A fatal neurological illness that was first identified north of Rockford, Illinois, in 2002 has now spread to 25 counties in the state, and meetings will be held to plan management of the disease.

State Officials Address Growing CWD Concerns

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be holding a series of public meetings, including in northern Illinois, to update residents on the spread and management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

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The fatal neurological illness affects white-tailed deer and poses a serious long-term threat to the state's deer population.

According to the IDNR press release, CWD was first identified in Illinois in 2002 near Roscoe. Since then, it has spread to 25 counties, ranging from the northern edge of the state to as far south as west-central Illinois.

Meetings to Engage Landowners, Hunters, and Citizens

The public is invited to join the IDNR meetings, where their staff will be presenting current management strategies and answering any questions about the concerns residents may have.

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Meetings will begin at 6 pm and include a 45 to 60-minute presentation, followed by a discussion. Here are the meetings scheduled in northern Illinois:

• Winnebago County: September 24 at the Winnebago County Forest Preserve, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, Illinois.
• Jo Daviess County: September 26 at the Stockton Public Library, 140 W. Benton Street, Stockton, Illinois.
• Ogle County: September 30 at the Oregon VFW Post 8739, 1310 W. Washington Street, Oregon, Illinois.

You can check the IDNR website for other meeting dates and locations by clicking HERE.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is encouraging landowners, hunters, and concerned residents to participate in one of the meetings, as CWD management continues to be a high priority for future deer conservation efforts.