Idaho Fish and Game Removes Over 80 Mule Deer from Elk Facility

Deer meat will be processed and donated to local food banks to prevent spread of chronic wasting disease.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Idaho Fish and Game has removed more than 80 mule deer from a captive elk facility in Rexburg, Idaho over the past several months. The deer were gaining entrance through gaps under the fence, and the agency decided to remove them as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease. All the deer are being tested for the disease, and the meat from those that test negative will be processed and donated to local food banks.

Why it matters

Captive elk facilities are required to perform chronic wasting disease testing, but there are no reliable ways to test live wild deer for the disease. Removing the mule deer from the elk facility helps prevent the potential spread of this deadly disease to the elk herd and the surrounding wild deer population.

The details

Fish and Game removed the mule deer through a combination of public hunters and agency staff efforts. The deer were removed as a precautionary measure after multiple hunters reported seeing them in the elk facility throughout the 2025 hunting season. After evaluating the situation, Fish and Game decided that lethal removal was the most responsible course of action to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease.

  • Over the last few months, Idaho Fish and Game has removed the mule deer from the captive elk facility.
  • The mule deer were first reported by hunters in the elk facility throughout the 2025 hunting season.

The players

Idaho Fish and Game

The state wildlife agency responsible for managing and protecting Idaho's fish and wildlife resources.

Idaho Department of Agriculture

The state agency that regulates captive elk facilities and requires chronic wasting disease testing.

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What they’re saying

“We must remove these deer to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease and protect the health of the elk herd.”

— Idaho Fish and Game

What’s next

Fish and Game will continue to monitor the elk facility and surrounding area for any additional mule deer that may have gained access. The agency will also work with the Department of Agriculture to ensure the elk herd remains free of chronic wasting disease.

The takeaway

This proactive measure by Idaho Fish and Game demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding the state's wildlife and preventing the spread of deadly diseases like chronic wasting disease. The donation of the deer meat to local food banks also ensures the meat does not go to waste and benefits the community.