Why hunters in CWD zones must learn to read the land not just the ribs
In early fall, dee bowhunters scanning the
woods for signs of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) they may spot a doe with visible
ribs, a lean frame, and twin fawns still nursing. The assumption? She’s sick.
But in many cases, that thinness isn’t disease it’s maternal depletion. And
misreading it can lead to false reports, unnecessary harvests, and broken trust
in wildlife management.
Late-season twins put a toll of survival on the doe. In my daily observation of
late-season nursing does in Joplin, Missouri, I’ve seen the pattern firsthand.
A doe gives birth late, nurses twin fawns through extreme late August summer
heat, and grazes on garden ornamentals as native forage dries up. Her body
thins out, but her coat stays glossy. Her eyes stay sharp. Her fawns grow
strong. This is not CWD. This is
survival.
What CWD Actually Looks Like
Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal neurological illness caused by prions. It spreads through saliva, urine, feces, and carcasses and it lingers in soil for years. True symptoms include: Emaciation beyond seasonal thinness. Drooping ears, head tilt, or stumbling. Excessive drooling or drinking. Loss of fear toward humans. But here’s the catch: CWD can incubate silently, and visual signs aren’t always reliable. That’s why testing not guessing is essential.
Behavior Over Body
A healthy but thin doe will: Remain alert and responsive Move with purpose Protect her fawns React to scent and sound (unless you’re me my herd knows my rhythm)
Deer Hunters must learn to read behavior not just body condition.
Why Misdiagnosis Matters
In CWD zones like Joplin, false assumptions can: Undermine public trust in wildlife management. Lead to unnecessary harvests of healthy does. Skew community data and disease tracking. Distract from real gaps like lack of mandatory testing during bow season
Closing Reflection
Thin isn’t sick. It’s often the mark of a doe doing her job feeding,
protecting, and adapting. In a landscape shaped by heat, ordinance shifts, and
disease optics, hunters must learn to see the full picture. Let’s protect the
herd by understanding it.
Other Doe / Fawn Articles You May Like
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Fear Over Facts: Why Joplin’s Deer Ordinance
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Deer Hunters May Think It’s CWD When It’s Not
