Ohio Mixed Bag: 40 more Ohio deer test positive for CWD

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife confirmed that 40 white-tailed deer shot during the 2025-26 hunting season tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD).

A total of 6,617 deer were tested for CWD. Positive CWD samples were detected in Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties.

CWD is a neurological disease that is fatal to white-tailed deer and other similar species, including mule deer, elk, and moose. Once an animal is infected, there is no cure for CWD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no strong evidence that CWD is transmissible to humans.

Find more information on CWD at ohiodnr.gov/cwd.

Up-to-date information on chronic wasting disease in Ohio can be found on the CWD dashboard that includes location and harvest information for all CWD-positive wild white-tailed deer confirmed since 2020. In addition, the interactive site helps hunters monitor the status of deer they submitted for testing.

The Division of Wildlife has extensively monitored and tested deer in the disease surveillance area since CWD was discovered in the wild in 2020. The Division of Wildlife has conducted routine surveillance for CWD since 2002.

MORE COVERAGE FROM OHIO OUTDOOR NEWS:

Ohio Insider: The reason behind proposed archery ban during fall turkey season

Ohio DNR alters ruffed grouse hunting in the state

Early season turkey take shows numbers are up in Ohio

Public Asked to Report Amphibian Road Crossings To ODNR

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) are asking the public to report locations where they see reptiles and amphibians frequently cross roadways. Wildlife crossings put both animals and passenger vehicles at risk on the roadway, so reports can help ODNR and ODOT create safer solutions for wildlife crossing areas.

In spring and summer, reptiles such as box turtles, snapping turtles, and snakes are vulnerable to vehicles as they cross roadways to lay eggs, find new habitat, or seek shelter. In the early spring and occasionally in the fall, amphibians like salamanders, frogs, and toads sometimes cross roads as they travel to breeding areas.

Observers can report locations of reptile and amphibian road crossings via the Wildlife Reporting System, available at wildohio.gov and on the HuntFish OH mobile app. Observations of live animals are helpful, as are reports of roadkill. Users are encouraged to take note of road crossing locations and submit reports once they are no longer driving. Never use this app while driving. Park in a safe location before reporting or ask a passenger to make the report.

The Division of Wildlife also relies on public reports to monitor populations of black bears, bobcats, fishers, and more. Contributing wildlife sightings is an important way to support the division’s mission.

MWCD’s Butler Named to Board

New Philadelphia, Ohio — Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) recently announced the appointment of Craig W. Butler to its board of directors.

Butler joined the board in September 2025, bringing decades of leadership experience at the intersection of environmental stewardship, energy policy, and economic development.

Butler currently serves as executive director and secretary of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), a role he has held since 2020. His career in public service includes appointment by Gov. John Kasich as director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, where he served from 2014 to 2019. Most recently, Butler also served as executive director of the Power Siting Board for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

Butler holds a bachelor of arts in geography and environmental studies from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and a master of science in Environmental Studies from Ohio University. His deep ties to Ohio and extensive statewide leadership experience position him as a strong advocate for regional collaboration and innovation.

Scholarships Available for Camp Canopy

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Forestry is highlighting scholarship and sponsorship opportunities for Ohio high school students interested in attending Camp Canopy, Ohio’s premier forestry and wildlife camp, this summer.

“Camp Canopy is an investment in the next generation of natural resources professionals,” said Jeremy Scherf, ODNR Division of Forestry service forestry manager and Camp Canopy co-director. “With support from our partners, we’re able to make this experience accessible to more students across Ohio.”

Camp Canopy will take place this summer beginning Sunday, June 7, through Friday, June 12.

Many local organizations offer sponsorships to help cover camp costs. Students are encouraged to check with their local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, conservation groups, rod and gun clubs, FFA or 4-H chapters, and local forestry-related businesses. Regional forestry associations and Ohio Forestry Association logger chapters may also provide support. If local options are not available, information about additional assistance opportunities may be obtained by contacting the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation, the nonprofit organization that operates Camp Canopy.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or financial assistance, contact the Ohio Forestry Association at 1-888-38-TREES.

To learn more about Camp Canopy, visit campcanopy.com.