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Montana officials approve special deer hunt in effort to track chronic wasting disease

A tagged elk is shown at the All American Antler Ranch in Stoneham, Colo., Feb. 22, 2002. This elk was later euthanized, part of an effort by state officials to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease. The disease causes animals to grow thin as it destroys their brains. (JACK DEMPSEY / Associated Press)
By Eli Francovich elif@spokesman.com(509) 459-5508
A tagged elk is shown at the All American Antler Ranch in Stoneham, Colo., Feb. 22, 2002. This elk was later euthanized, part of an effort by state officials to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease. The disease causes animals to grow thin as it destroys their brains. (JACK DEMPSEY / Associated Press)

Montana officials approved a special deer hunt in an effort to track the spread of chronic wasting disease Thursday.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the hunt at its monthly meeting, according to an agency news release. The hunt will begin on Dec. 15 and go until Feb. 15. Licenses will go on sale on Dec. 11. The hunt area is south of Laurel, Mont. near Billings.

The hunt will target white tail and mule deer with 600 licenses available for each species.

Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal neurological disease effecting deer, elk and moose. Since its discoverery in Montana this fall six deer, four mule deer bucks, one mule deer doe and one white-tailed doe, have tested positive for CWD within the designated hunt area, according to the news release.