CWD is only a threat to localized populations where the deer are present in mass. It was discovered in a CO DOW pensite where they were studying mulies and whitetails. In free ranging deer it isn't such a threat. Not saying it doesn't occur but the deer are spread out enough to minimize it. This is one reason many states don't want deer farms or pen raised game. Too much risk since the animals are kept in close proximity to each other.

For what it is worth, back about 1999 or so I was in my native CO on a tour of recruiting duty for the Navy and the state wanted to decrease the deer herd north of Ft Collins to try and stop the spread. They issued unlimited doe tags for a special 3 month season and even opened the state parks in a couple selected game management units around Ft Collins. Any deer taken had to have the heads submitted for testing. I shot 11 does in that season and not one of the does I shot tested positive. I know several other guys that took similar numbers and none of their's were positive either and this was in the middle of "ground zero". I fed a lot of people with venison that year.

Based on that experience, I don't think it is a serious as many make it out to be. Feel free to disagree is you want to.