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Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

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Gretchen Steele: Why are Illinois hunters so apprehensive when it comes to CWD testing?

A bowhunter works his magic from a stand during the archery deer season. (Photo courtesy of River’s Edge)

I have been trying to wrap my head around something lately, and perhaps one of you can explain it to me. Why are so many deer hunters reluctant to have their deer tested for chronic wasting disease?
I understand being suspicious of new regulations. Lord knows that Illinois deer hunters have watched regulations, seasons, permits, reporting systems and management philosophies change often enough to develop a healthy case of raised eyebrows. What I don’t understand quite so well is refusing an opportunity to learn something about the deer we harvest and the herd we claim to care so much about.

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