CWD Info to Know for the 2021–2022 Deer Season

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a deadly, infectious disease in deer and other members of the deer family (cervids) that eventually kills all animals it infects. There is no vaccine or cure. CWD is spread from deer to deer and through the environment. MDC continues efforts to limit the spread of CWD in Missouri by finding new cases as early as possible and slowing the spread to more deer in more areas. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

CWD Management Zone

Four counties are new to the CWD Management Zone this year: Camden, Laclede, McDonald, and Pulaski. Grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable products used to attract deer are prohibited year-round within the CWD Management Zone. For exceptions, see the 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZXv.

Mandatory CWD Sampling Nov. 13 and 14

Hunters who harvest deer in any counties in the CWD Management Zone during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season (Nov. 13 and 14) are required to take their harvested deer or the head on the day of harvest to one of MDC’s numerous CWD mandatory sampling stations located throughout the zone. Hunters must follow carcass movement restrictions (see Carcass Movement Restrictions). Sampling and test results are free. Hunters who harvest deer in counties outside of the zone are not required to participate in sampling. Find sampling locations online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd or from MDC’s 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet.

Before Arriving at a Mandatory Sampling Station:

• Field dress and Telecheck deer.
• Bring the carcass or just the head.
• Capes may be removed in preparation for taxidermy.
• Position deer in vehicles with head and neck easily accessible.
• Be sure the person who harvested the deer is present.
• Have the hunter’s conservation number, and be prepared to find the location of harvest on a map.
• If using a paper permit, have it detached from the deer for easy access.
• If using the MO Hunting app, have permit and Telecheck information available.

Voluntary CWD Sampling All Season Statewide

MDC will again offer statewide voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer during the entire deer season at select locations throughout the state. Find locations and more information online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd or by contacting an MDC regional office.

CWD Test Results

Get test results for CWD-sampled deer online at mdc.mo.gov/CWDTestResults. Results are free and will be available within weeks after the sampling date.

Carcass Movement Restrictions

These regulations, included in the Wildlife Code of Missouri, are part of MDC’s ongoing efforts to slow the spread of CWD.

For hunters who harvest deer in Missouri from a CWD Management Zone county:

• Deer must be Telechecked before any parts of the carcass may be transported out of the county of harvest.
• Whole carcasses and heads may only be transported out of the county of harvest if delivered to a licensed meat processor, taxidermist, or to an approved CWD sampling station within 48 hours of exiting the county of harvest.

Note: Nov. 13–14, deer must be taken on the day of harvest to a CWD mandatory sampling station.

The following carcass parts may be moved outside of the county of harvest without restriction:

• Meat that is cut and wrapped or that has been boned out

• Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached
• Hides from which all excess tissue has been removed
• Antlers or antlers attached to skull plates or skulls cleaned of all muscle and brain tissue
• Finished taxidermy products

For hunters bringing deer and other cervids into Missouri from another state:

• Hunters may no longer transport whole cervid carcasses into the state.
• Heads from cervids with the cape attached and no more than 6 inches of neck attached may be brought into Missouri only if they are delivered to a licensed taxidermist within 48 hours of entering Missouri.
• There is no longer a requirement that cervid carcass parts coming into the state be reported to the MDC carcass transport hotline.
• The following cervid parts can be transported into Missouri without restriction:

• Meat that is cut and wrapped or that has been boned out
• Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached
• Hides from which all excess tissue has been removed
• Antlers or antlers attached to skull plates or skulls cleaned of all muscle and brain tissue
• Upper canine teeth
• Finished taxidermy products

For taxidermists and meat processors:

• Taxidermists and meat processors throughout the state are required to dispose of deer, elk, and other cervid parts not returned to customers in a sanitary landfill or transfer station.
• Proof of disposal must be retained for 12 months for meat processors and for three years for taxidermists.

Share the Harvest

Missouri’s Share the Harvest program helps deer hunters donate venison to those in need. To participate, take harvested deer to an approved meat processor and let the processor know how much venison is to be donated. Deer harvested within the CWD Management Zone may only be donated to approved processors in the Share the Harvest CWD Testing Program. Deer harvested outside of the CWD Management Zone may be donated to any Share the Harvest processor. Learn more online at mdc.mo.gov/share or from MDC’s 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet.