SWF welcomes reinstatement of Provincial CWD Testing Program

Posted on 22 October 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Contributed

The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) welcomes the Government of Saskatchewan’s decision to reinstate Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing for the 2026–27 hunting season.

“We appreciate the government listening to the concerns raised by hunters and conservation organizations,” said Darrell Crabbe, SWF Executive Director. “CWD testing is an important resource for hunters and provides valuable information to help monitor the disease in Saskatchewan’s wildlife. We are pleased to see it reinstated.”

Hunters have supported CWD surveillance for decades by submitting samples from harvested animals. Their participation helps researchers and wildlife managers better understand the disease’s distribution and prevalence across the province.

The SWF also thanks its members, branches and hunters throughout Saskatchewan who contacted their MLAs and voiced their concerns about the program’s cancellation.

The SWF looks forward to working with Minister Rowden and the Ministry of Environment to help develop recommendations for CWD testing for the 2027–28 season and beyond.

Hunters are encouraged to review the Ministry of Environment’s updated information for details about testing during the 2026–27 season.

For details about the province’s updated CWD testing approach for the 2026–27 season, read the Government of Saskatchewan’s announcement here:

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2026/october/22/saskatchewan-updates-chronic-wasting-disease-testing-approach-for-2026-27