We've had CWD present in our herd here for years. There's a randomly selected testing program during rifle season but no testing program unless we hunters voluntarily pay for and send them off on our own during archery and muzzleloader seasons.
I'm wondering how many are slipping through the cracks as compared to states that have a more aggressive approach to CWD testing?
We eat a lot of venison and as far as I know I've never had an issue and have only had a few tested during rifle season which were negative. All this being said, I don't think anyone has a full grasp on the situation as has been said numerous times.
If there isn't an imminent threat it seems like some of this research gets put on the back burner or funding falls short to cover the research. Another angle to look at is, how do you ethically get someone to willingly infect themselves with a potentially mortal disease? It might mean CJD diseases will be/are monitored closer as it relates to hunters or persons consuming potentially CWD infected venison as seen in the referred publication.
For me and my family, I'll probably start getting all deer harvested CWD tested and comply with my state's recommendation of disposing of any animals testing positive for CWD. I don't think a proactive approach will interfere with my hunting enjoyment or is necessarily a detriment. I'll just have to include a couple more steps processing and spend a little money out of pocket for the test until hopefully someday our state implements a more aggressive testing program that I don't have to pay for during archery and muzzleloader seasons.