ODFW Urges Hunters to Stop at Chronic Wasting Disease Check Stations During 2025 Hunting Seasons
SALEM, Ore. — With the commencement of Oregon’s 2025 deer and elk hunting seasons, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is intensifying its efforts to monitor Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) across the state.
Hunters harvesting deer or elk are reminded that halting at designated CWD check stations is mandatory when transporting these animals. These stations provide critical surveillance data essential for managing the health of wild cervid populations.
Efficient Testing Options to Support Hunter Compliance
Collecting samples for CWD testing is a swift process, taking approximately 10 minutes to obtain lymph node tissues and relevant hunter information. ODFW offers various convenient testing options including:
- Stops at CWD check stations during hunting seasons
- Participating taxidermists and meat processors where hunters can submit samples
- Scheduling appointments at ODFW offices
- Dropping off heads in after-hours collection bins at select ODFW locations
For detailed information about testing services, hunters can visit myodfw.com/CWD.
Mandatory Check Station Stops Critical for Disease Monitoring
It is a legal requirement that hunters stop at any CWD check station encountered while transporting harvested deer or elk. These stations are strategically placed and marked by highway signage to alert hunters well in advance.
2025 Deer Any Legal Weapon (ALW) Season Check Stations
- Celilo Park (Exit 97 off I-84, west of Biggs Junction): October 5-7, 9 a.m. to dusk
- Prineville, ODOT Weigh Station, Hwy 26: October 5-7, 9 a.m. to dusk
- Elgin Rodeo Grounds, 790 S 8th Ave: October 4-6 & 11-12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Baker City, ODOT parking lot off Hwy 86: October 4-6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2025 Rocky Mountain Elk ALW Season Check Stations
- Celilo Park (Exit 97 off I-84): November 1-3, 9 a.m. to dusk
- Prineville, ODOT Weigh Station, Hwy 26: November 1-3, 9 a.m. to dusk
- Elgin Stampede Grounds, 790 S 8th Ave: November 1-3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Baker City, ODOT parking lot off Hwy 86: November 1-2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Ukiah, North Fork John Day Ranger Station, 401 Main St: November 1-2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Riley, The Riley Store, 17674 Hwy 20: October 31 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m.), November 1-2 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), November 3 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Expert Perspective on CWD Monitoring in Oregon
Chronic Wasting Disease, a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting cervids such as deer and elk, poses a significant threat to wild populations due to its fatal progression and environmental persistence of prions.
Efficient and widespread sampling during hunting seasons is vital to early detection and containment. The lymph nodes harvested at check stations are diagnostic targets as they typically accumulate prions in infected animals. ODFW’s comprehensive surveillance strategy exemplifies the integration of hunter participation and wildlife health management.
Maintaining healthy deer and elk populations requires continuous monitoring to mitigate the ecological impact of CWD, which can disrupt population dynamics and predator-prey relationships.
Conclusion
Hunters play a crucial role in wildlife disease management by complying with mandatory check station stops and utilizing the available testing options. ODFW’s measures not only safeguard wildlife health but also ensure sustainable hunting opportunities for the future.
Additional reporting and sources from: ODFW reminds hunters to stop at Chronic Wasting Disease check stations with harvested deer, elk – KTVZcircle-arrowPlay ButtonStop Buttonchevron-rightchevron-leftchevron-upsearchwarningchevron-left-skinnychevron-right-skinnyxclockcalendarplay-buttoncancel-circleusertwitterfacebookyoutubeinstagramemaillinkedin
