SALT LAKE CITY — Hunters in Ogden will be required to submit samples of deer harvested during the general-season any-legal-weapon buck deer hunt to test for chronic wasting disease , starting in 2026.

According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, deer infected with the disease have misfolded proteins called prions accumulating within the deer’s brain and spinal cord.

The misfolded proteins are the same prions that can cause “mad cow disease” in cows and scrapie in sheep.

Deer in early stages of infection appear healthy , but the DWR warned the infected deer will eventually develop brain lesions, become emaciated and appear listless with droopy ears. They may also salivate excessively and will eventually die.

In the winter, deer visit lower elevation areas where food is a

See Full Page