The Saskatchewan government is reverting to its previous chronic wasting disease testing approach for the 2026–27 hunting season following feedback from hunters concerned about wild game safety.
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Environment Minister Darlene Rowden announced the decision, which maintains mandatory testing in designated wildlife management zones while allowing voluntary sample submissions across the rest of the province. The framework mirrors the approach used during the 2025–26 season.
“We heard clearly from hunters that access to CWD testing matters to them and their families,” Rowden said in a release. “Returning to the previous testing approach will provide hunters with information to support their decisions and maintain important surveillance information to support wildlife management.”
The ministry confirmed that all eligible samples already accepted, including those from voluntary testing zones, will be processed. Officials noted the data helps track the prevalence and distribution of the fatal neurological disease affecting cervids, such as deer, elk and moose.
Hunters required to submit samples must continue following regulations specific to their wildlife management zone, species and licence type.
The Ministry of Environment advises hunters to check Saskatchewan.ca/CWD for updated submission instructions, eligible species and drop-off locations. Official notification regarding specific requirements will be distributed to hunters by Oct. 31.
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