CWD & EHD by county
South Dakota disease risk map.
South Dakota confirmed its first wild CWD detection in 2001 in the Black Hills. SD GFP has implemented surveillance focused on western and Black Hills hunt units. EHD outbreaks occur frequently in eastern river bottoms.
Confirm CWD management zones, sampling requirements, and carcass transport rules with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and USDA APHIS before hunting.
CWD detection timeline
CWD detection timeline
1999 – 2026
South Dakota county detections
Where it's been found.
Counties below have CWD detection records on file. Click for the county-level page.
Carcass transport rules
If hunting in a CWD-positive area, follow your state agency's carcass transport rules — most agencies prohibit moving whole carcasses with brain or spinal tissue across designated zone boundaries. Verify the current rules with your state wildlife agency before transporting any harvest.
CWD testing
Most state wildlife agencies offer free or low-cost CWD testing of harvested deer at check stations or sample-drop locations during season. Contact the state agency for current testing locations and turnaround times.
EHD activity in South Dakota
South Dakota sees frequent EHD outbreak history. EHD is not transmissible to humans, and meat from clinically healthy deer is safe to consume. Watch for the disease-specific signs reported by hunters and biologists in late summer.
Hunter FAQ
Common questions, South Dakota.
Is CWD present in South Dakota?+
Yes. South Dakota has confirmed CWD detections since 2001. Verify current management-zone boundaries with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.
What are the South Dakota carcass transport rules?+
If hunting in a CWD-positive area, follow your state agency's carcass transport rules — most agencies prohibit moving whole carcasses with brain or spinal tissue across designated zone boundaries. Verify the current rules with your state wildlife agency before transporting any harvest.
How do I get CWD testing in South Dakota?+
Most state wildlife agencies offer free or low-cost CWD testing of harvested deer at check stations or sample-drop locations during season. Contact the state agency for current testing locations and turnaround times.
How active is EHD in South Dakota?+
Frequent EHD outbreak history. EHD is not transmissible to humans and meat from clinically healthy deer remains safe to consume.
Is venison from CWD or EHD-affected deer safe to eat?+
EHD is not transmissible to humans. For CWD, the CDC and major health agencies recommend that hunters test deer harvested from CWD-positive zones and not consume meat from animals that test positive. No human cases of CWD have been documented.
Primary sources
- CWD sourceSouth Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
- EHD sourceSouth Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
- FederalUSDA APHIS — Chronic Wasting Disease
- Hunter resourceNational Deer Association
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