Mandatory CWD Sampling Required for Hunters in the Parkland This Weekend

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Hunters who harvest deer in the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone during the opening weekend of Missouri’s firearms deer season are required to take their deer, or just the head, to a CWD sampling station on the day of harvest.

The Missouri Department of Conservation says sampling stations will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parkland counties in the CWD Management Zone include Jefferson, Madison, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, and Washington. Hunters must field dress and Telecheck their deer before arriving, and either bring the full carcass or the head with at least six inches of neck attached.

The person who harvested the deer must be present and have their Conservation Number or permit ready. Sampling takes only a few minutes as MDC staff collect lymph node tissue for testing. The process helps scientists track and manage the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease across the state’s deer population.

Freezer drop locations will be closed during the opening weekend.