Hunters who harvest a tagged and collared deer in western Nebraska are being asked to contact wildlife professionals conducting big game disease research.

In February, 58 mule deer were tagged and collared in the Wildcat Hills southwest of Gering to track the potential spread or resistance of chronic wasting disease. Biologists want to take tissue samples of the collared harvested deer and obtain the collars for reuse in the project.

Each collar has a phone number on it for hunters to call. People also may call the Alliance office of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at 308-763-2940 or the Wildcat Hills Nature Center at 308-436-3777.

Hunters should use caution when harvesting deer and should not shoot, handle or consume a deer acting abnormally or appearing sick.

Observations of such animals should be reported to the nearest Game and Parks Commission office.

Learn more about CWD in deer and deer hunting at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search CWD.