Wisconsin: Hunt. Harvest. Help. New CWD website launched

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MADISON – Hunters and landowners can learn more about what they can do to maintain a healthy deer herd and Wisconsin’s strong hunting traditions through a new website dedicated to sharing information on Chronic Wasting Disease.

The website, www.knowcwd.com, carries the theme of “Hunt. Harvest. Help” and features racing champion Matt Kenseth, a deer hunter and Cambridge, Wis., native, in a public service announcement talking about the importance of teamwork in tackling CWD.

"As a deer hunter, I'm concerned about CWD," Kenseth says in a video public service announcement on the website. "But it's going to take more than one person to slow the spread of CWD…It's a team effort Wisconsin. So get out there and hunt, harvest and help."

Hunt, Harvest, Help.
WDNR Photo

Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials say the website was developed to share information on how CWD is spread, where the disease exists in the Wisconsin deer population and what other states with CWD are doing about it. There also is information about human health risks. Several additional tabs on the website direct visitors to information on how individuals can help, frequently asked questions and videos.

The website also links to important CWD management information including Wisconsin’s CWD Response Plan and current and past CWD research and statistics.

“CWD has the potential for significant, negative impacts on the future of deer and deer hunting anywhere it exists,” said Davin Lopez, DNR’s CWD coordinator. “Minimizing the area of Wisconsin where the disease occurs is the responsible thing to do. Wisconsin’s current CWD policy is containment, rather than elimination of the disease. Hunter and landowner participation is key to this effort.

Beginning the week of Aug. 15 TV viewers in the CWD management zone will see CWD public service announcements featuring Kenseth. Also the "Hunt. Harvest. Help." theme will appear on billboards, in print ads and in other online sources.

The website and materials were developed with the aid of a U.S. Department of Agriculture/Veterinary Services grant and a private sector communications firm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Davin Lopez (608)267-2948