CWD Info to Know for the 2022-2023 Deer Season

By MDC | October 1, 2022
From Missouri Conservationist: October 2022
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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 directly from deer to deer and indirectly when deer encounter infectious prion proteins (which cause the disease) after they have entered the environment from an infected deer. MDC continues efforts to limit the spread of CWD in Missouri by finding new cases as early as possible and managing the disease to slow its 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: Barton, Greene, Ripley, and Vernon. 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 2022 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZXv.

Mandatory CWD Sampling Nov. 12 and 13

Hunters who harvest a deer in CWD Management Zone counties (except Gasconade, Knox, St. Charles, and Warren: see map above) during Nov. 12–13 must take their harvested deer, or the head, on the day of harvest to one of MDC’s CWD mandatory sampling stations located in the zone. Hunters must follow carcass movement restrictions (see Carcass Movement Restrictions). Sampling and test results are free (see CWD Test Results). Hunters who harvest deer in counties outside of the zone, or in Gasconade, Knox, St. Charles, or Warren counties, are not required to participate in sampling but are encouraged to use MDC’s voluntary sampling opportunities. Find sampling locations online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd or from MDC’s 2022 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.
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Voluntary CWD Sampling All Season Statewide
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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

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

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.

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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, licensed taxidermist, or to an approved CWD sampling station within 48 hours of exiting the county of harvest.

Note: Nov. 12–13, deer harvested in CWD Management Zone counties (except Gasconade, Knox, St. Charles, and Warren) 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 not transport whole cervid (deer, elk, moose, caribou) 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 permitted sanitary landfill or transfer station. This requirement does not apply to hides from which all excess tissue has been removed.
  • Proof of disposal must be retained for 12 months for meat processors and for three years for taxidermists.
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Share The Harvest
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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 2022 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet.

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More Information
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Get more information on CWD regulations and other CWD information online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd or from MDC’s 2022 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZXv.

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