Illinois officials end targeted deer culling to combat chronic wasting disease
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Apr 26
Illinois officials end targeted deer culling to combat chronic wasting disease
16 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Apr 26
In mid-April, Illinois halted its long-running deer culling program after only one deer was culled in a recent effort near Lowden-Miller State Forest, compared to ten the previous year.
State wildlife managers determined the disease had become too widespread for targeted hunts to remain effective, prompting the decision to abandon the practice.
Illinois joins other states struggling to manage chronic wasting disease, a highly resilient and difficult-to-control illness affecting white-tailed deer populations for over two decades.
With culling over, how will Illinois prevent a catastrophic deer population collapse?
After a 20-year fight, was Illinois' war on CWD a costly and total failure?
Illinois has surrendered to 'zombie deer disease.' Which state will be next?
As CWD spreads, how close is this 'zombie' disease to making the jump to humans?
Could breeding for genetic resistance be the ultimate cure for Chronic Wasting Disease?
If infectious prions persist in soil, is our environment now permanently contaminated?
Suspension of Illinois' 23-Year Sharpshooting Program Marks Shift in Chronic Wasting Disease Management
Overview
In April 2026, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources suspended its 23-year sharpshooting program aimed at controlling Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) after the disease spread to 28 counties despite these efforts. Growing landowner fatigue and hunter concerns about the program’s impact, along with legislative pressure, contributed to this decision. In response, IDNR launched a new five-year pilot focusing on empowering hunters to voluntarily harvest and test deer, enhancing public education, and strengthening disease monitoring. Recent laws also support landowners with free permits to encourage local herd management. However, reliance on voluntary participation raises concerns about effectively controlling CWD’s persistent and expanding threat.