Have a plan for CWD before you head out in the field this hunting season...  

Research your planned hunting location 

• Check FWP’s CWD Priority Surveillance Areas or the Hunt Planner Map to see if your hunt location is in a CWD priority surveillance area or a CWD positive hunting district. CWD testing is strongly encouraged in these areas

Have a plan for taking a sample 

• If you plan to take a sample yourself: 

  • Watch the CWD sampling video and download the CWD Sampling and Submission Guide

  • Pack sampling tools including disposable gloves, field knife or scalpel, tweezers or pliers, and a small sealable bag for storing the samples

  • Plan to drop off your sample at a CWD Sampling Station or follow instructions for mailing in your sample following the CWD Sampling and Submission Guide

• If you would like to have FWP take a sample: 

  • Find the location of the closest CWD Sampling Station

  • Plan to bring in the entire animal or head -- we cannot sample frozen heads, and there must be 2-3 inches of the neck on the head for sampling

Have a plan for carcass management  

• Planning to field dress your animal? Leave carcass parts at the kill site when possible  

• Planning to transport the animal for butchering and processing? Bag remaining carcass parts and dispose of in a Class II landfill – find a location  

If your animal tests positive 

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you do not eat the meat

• With a CWD suspect or positive test result, FWP authorizes the disposal of the meat. Dispose of all carcass waste (meat, bones, trimmings, hide, etc.) in a landfill

• If you have already sent your animal to a commercial processor or donated it to a foodbank, contact the FWP Wildlife Health Lab at: 406-577-7883, 406-577-7895, or 406-577-7881 

• If you choose not to consume the meat and wish to request a new license for this year or next year, call your local FWP Regional Office or the Licensing Call Center (406-444-2950) to coordinate the next steps. You will have to properly dispose of all remaining parts in a landfill, and turn in any antlers associated with your harvest, if you request a replacement license