Crop production accounts for 85% of the land use in the river counties of far Western Kentucky. Additionally, more than 11,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas are located in Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton Counties (Public Land Search, KDFWR website). Recognizing the need to balance wildlife conservation with minimizing crop damage, Extension Agents in Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman Counties organized a wildlife management meeting to address deer management challenges and a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) update.

The meeting focused on equipping landowners and farmers with practical deer management strategies that minimize operational impacts. Sarah Christian, representing the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), led discussions on mitigating deer damage, managing excess deer populations, and adhering to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife guidelines for addressing overpopulated herds.

The event, which drew 32 participants, featured a sponsored dinner courtesy of CGB Grain in Fulton County. Brooke Hogancamp, the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent for Carlisle County, prepared venison chili using recipes from the "Cook Wild" recipe card series.

A significant portion of the meeting provided updates on CWD and deer check-in procedures, delivered by representatives from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive: 100% reported gaining valuable insights on improving wildlife habitats, enhancing deer management, and following CWD check-in protocols. Additionally, 80% of participants indicated they would implement one or more deer management practices to reduce crop damage. All attendees expressed satisfaction with the meeting's content and duration, underscoring the event’s success in fostering knowledge-sharing and strengthening community partnerships in wildlife management.