As Wisconsin deer hunting kicks off the DNR has information on how and where to test for CWD

Testing Kiosks And Carcass Disposal Dumpsters Are Available Statewide

Sept. 14, 2025

As the white-tailed deer seasons begin to open across the state, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like to remind hunters about the availability to test their deer for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The DNR is especially interested in samples from the CWD sampling priority areas, but hunters anywhere in Wisconsin can submit a sample from their deer for CWD testing. Testing through the DNR is free for deer harvested within the state.

The DNR offers hunters four ways to submit a sample from their harvested deer for CWD testing:

• We add self-service kiosk locations throughout the season, with many added ahead of the nine-day gun deer season. Hunters can drop off their deer’s head with 5 inches of neck attached for testing.
• Hunters can visit cooperating meat processors, taxidermists and other business owners for assistance in the sampling process.
• Hunters can extract the retropharyngeal lymph nodes themselves at home or in the field for CWD testing. Samples can then be dropped off at a CWD kiosk.
• Hunters can also arrange an appointment with DNR staff via the Wildlife Switchboard by calling 608-267-0866 or emailing DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov.

For information on how to prepare a sample, find a kiosk or other frequently asked questions, please refer to the DNR’s Sampling For CWD webpage.

Finally, just like buying a license or registering a harvest, planning to properly dispose of your deer carcass waste should be part of your hunting plans. Proper waste disposal can help reduce the likelihood of disease transmission.

To learn more about options for disposing of a carcass, visit the DNR’s Carcass Movement, Processing and Disposal webpage. During the later part of the fall hunting season, deer carcass waste disposal dumpsters will be available statewide and are free for Wisconsin hunters.