I’ve read that infected deer initially may not have visible symptoms of the disease. So a deer that looks healthy may be infected. Pennsylvania government websites recommend that hunters wear gloves when handling a deer carcass and that they don’t get anywhere near the deer’s brain and spinal cord. One official website suggests that it probably won’t be long before the prions infect humans because they will be in the food supply from contaminated deer meat.
Infected deer have been identified in counties near where I live. Hunting is a major sport in the area. I’ve heard hunters discussing the issue.