The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will soon launch a new notification system which will automatically relay chronic wasting disease (CWD) test results to deer hunters, starting with the current 2025-2026 deer season.
To use the new CWD notification system, hunters must provide a mobile number with their sample and have an email linked to their ExploreMoreIL account. Results will be sent via text and email. If positive, hunters will also receive a link to a map to confirm the harvest location.
CWD test results will still be posted online for all hunters.
If a deer tests positive and the hunter hasn’t verified their township range, IDNR will follow up. Failure to do so may make the hunter ineligible for free replacement tags next season.
Illinois House Minority Leader encourages area residents to send questions concerning the new update to: [email protected]. More information about CWD can also be found on the state’s website: Chronic Wasting Disease Management.