Missouri will Launches New Program to Manage CWD in Deer

By Blake Jackson

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is planning a new localized pilot program to help manage deer populations and slow the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) following feedback from Missouri landowners and hunters. The initiative will focus on eight CWD Core Areas across the state, with landowner meetings scheduled for early fall.

CWD is a fatal and contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family, known as cervids. MDC considers the disease an increasing concern for Missouri's deer population and the long-term future of deer hunting. CWD Core Areas are generally located within one to two miles of a confirmed CWD-positive case.

At the upcoming meetings, MDC representatives will explain CWD and deer management strategies, respond to questions, and discuss individual landowners' goals for managing deer on their properties. Invitations containing meeting information will be mailed directly to eligible landowners.

The meetings are scheduled for September 22, 2026, in Mountain View, September 23, 2026, in Lowry City, September 28, 2026, in Carthage, September 29, 2026, in Moberly, October 1, 2026, in Hillsboro, October 5, 2026, in Cape Girardeau, October 6, 2026, in Harrisburg and October 8, 2026, in Tina. Most meetings will run from 6-8 p.m., while the Tina meeting will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

MDC will emphasize the importance of hunter harvest as a tool for controlling deer numbers and managing CWD. The agency says increasing harvests close to locations where the disease has been detected could help slow transmission, support healthier herds and preserve hunting opportunities.

“The new approach focuses on building partnerships with landowners and putting hunters at the forefront of deer and CWD management by encouraging additional harvest during deer season,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle.

Landowners with at least 20 contiguous acres located within CWD Core Areas may qualify for five free CWD Management Permits, giving hunters additional opportunities to harvest deer and submit them for testing.

MDC stopped its targeted deer removal efforts in 2025 and does not currently plan to restart them. The agency says this fall's pilot program reflects public input gathered during statewide meetings earlier this year.

“We’ll use what is learned through this year’s pilot to develop a template that can be replicated in other CWD Core Areas in the future,” said Isabelle.

Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns