Drop-off locations for CWD tests

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has placed dozens of special drop-off containers for hunters to submit chronic wasting disease samples from their deer this year. Locations of these specially marked coolers and other CWD testing options are available at www.agfc.com/cwd.

The Game and Fish Commission has 32 drop-off locations throughout the CWD Management Zone. Eight others are in different parts of the state.

The drop-off locations make it easier for hunters to submit their samples when certain stations are not staffed and to preserve the integrity of the tissues on warm days. Hours for the stations are listed at the link referenced above.

Dr. Jennifer Ballard, the AGFC’s wildlife veterinarian, said that hunters must not cross the boundaries of the two-tiered CWD management zone when transporting their deer to one of the collection locations.

“Keep the animal as cool as possible to prevent spoiling the sample,” Ballard said. “Cut off the head, leaving about 4-6 inches of neck attached, remove the antlers and place it with your information and deer check number in the bags provided on site. We will collect the samples as the coolers begin to fill.”

Testing is voluntary for white-tailed deer, but the Arkansas Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highly encourage hunters to get their deer tested for CWD when hunting in a known CWD area and not consume any meat from CWD-positive deer or any sick animal. CWD testing is mandatory for all elk harvested in Arkansas. Hunters must call (870) 204-0576 immediately upon harvest of an elk. They will receive instructions on testing their elk through that hotline.