Sports
Wisconsin DNR Issues Deer Disease Reminder Ahead of Gun Season
Madison, WI – Wisconsin deer hunters are being reminded to take advantage of free testing for chronic wasting disease CWD this fall, as state wildlife officials prepare to add more sample collection k
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-19T16:43:52.111Z
Madison, WI – Wisconsin deer hunters are being reminded to take advantage of free testing for chronic wasting disease CWD this fall, as state wildlife officials prepare to add more sample collection kiosks ahead of the nine day gun deer hunting season.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources DNR , hunters throughout the state can voluntarily submit samples from harvested deer for CWD testing, with particular interest in samples collected from designated disease sampling priority areas.
Free Testing Available Statewide
The DNR says self service testing kiosks have been positioned throughout Wisconsin, allowing hunters to submit samples without scheduling an appointment.
Additional kiosks are expected to be installed as the hunting season progresses, including many ahead of the traditional nine day gun deer season.
Hunters using the kiosks can submit a harvested deer's head with approximately five inches of neck attached for testing.
Four Ways to Submit Samples
Beyond self service kiosks, hunters can visit cooperating meat processors, taxidermists and other participating businesses for assistance.
Hunters may also remove the retropharyngeal lymph nodes themselves at home or in the field and deliver those samples to a designated CWD kiosk.
A fourth option involves arranging an appointment with DNR staff through the agency's Wildlife Switchboard, although appointment availability may be limited.
Why CWD Testing Matters
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and other cervids.
Testing helps wildlife officials monitor where the disease is present and track its spread across Wisconsin's deer population.
The DNR encourages hunters to participate even outside designated priority areas.
Hunters can locate sampling sites through the DNR's online registration and sampling map.
For appointment assistance, contact the Wildlife Switchboard at 608 267 0866 or DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov .
Additional information is available through the Wisconsin DNR website.