Hunters helped further the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s (WGFD) brucellosis monitoring by submitting 1,130 blood samples during the 2020 elk hunting season. Samples were collected from bulls, cows and calves, Sweetwater Now reports.

Hunters who submitted a sample were entered into a raffle for a variety of gear and other prizes.

“We’re glad to encourage hunters to submit blood samples to help Game and Fish monitor brucellosis in Wyoming,” said Eric Maichak, WGFD disease biologist. “Thank you to our generous sponsors who provided the prizes and to each hunter who submitted a sample. You truly make a difference for the health of wildlife.”

According to Sweetwater Now, brucellosis has been found in elk and bison within the Yellowstone region in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. While there is a state/federal eradication program that has decreased the prevalence of the disease in cattle, it continues to be a threat to both elk and bison.

“Voluntary hunter participation is fundamental for the program’s success, and Game and Fish appreciates hunter efforts to submit samples,” said Maichak.

Interested in who won the WGFD raffle? Click here for a list of winners.