Q.CWD & Disease Safety
Should I get my deer tested for CWD?
A.
Yes, if your deer came from a CWD-positive county or is from a state with mandatory testing in certain zones. Most states offer free or low-cost CWD testing during deer season. The lymph nodes and brain stem are sampled — your processor or state biologist handles collection.
Testing turnaround varies by state, typically 1-4 weeks. Hold the meat (bone-out, frozen) until you receive results. If the result is positive, dispose of the carcass following state guidance — most states provide drop-off sites for proper disposal.
Even outside CWD zones, periodic testing helps wildlife agencies map disease spread. See your state's disease risk pages for testing requirements and how to submit a sample.