BONNERS FERRY — An August surveillance hunt that yielded 172 samples revealed two new chronic wasting disease-positive white-tailed deer in the Bonners Ferry area.

According to a Sept. 27 Idaho Fish and Game press release, both diseased deer were harvested within one mile of the original CWD-positive carcass discovered by a landowner in early July. 

“While we are disappointed to find additional positive detections in the Panhandle, we are thankful there weren’t more, and we remain hopeful we’ve detected CWD early enough to effectively slow its spread,” said Carson Watkins, panhandle regional supervisor for Idaho Fish and Game. 

The hunt took place between Aug. 24 and Sept. 1 in a designated area immediately north of Bonners Ferry. While the total sample size was short of Idaho Fish and Game’s goal of 200 white-tailed deer, the department stated in the Sept. 27 press release that it is confident the estimate of prevalence is reliable enough to inform management decisions. 

Of the 172 total samples, the results of 11 tests are still pending. 

Idaho’s first detected CWD case came from a mule deer near Riggins in October 2021. Montana has seen CWD cases since 2017, and Washington’s first detection of the disease came in August of this year north of Spokane. 

In an Aug. 14 press release, Idaho Fish and Game said its goal is to detect and minimize the spread of the disease to maintain healthy big game herds into the future. 

To answer questions about the results of the surveillance hunt and potential paths forward, Idaho Fish and Game staff will host a community meeting Oct. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the U.S. Forest Service Bonners Ferry Ranger District Office.