DNR-provided mail-in testing kits are a free, reliable way to test your harvest for chronic wasting disease (CWD). Each kit requires hunters to remove a lymph node sample from a harvested deer.
Looking for a shipping label? Please request one
How to complete your mail-in test kit:
Get a test kit.
You can obtain a mail-kit CWD kit by requesting one online or in-person at an area wildlife office.
Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Both the kit and the testing are free, and results are posted online.
Starting in September of each year, we'll mail kits requested online. Mailings will continue throughout deer season until supplies run out. Kits should arrive within seven days of your request and will include the following contents.
Take lymph node sample.
Watch the instructional video or follow along with the paper instructions included with the test kit.
After removal, we recommend freezing the lymph nodes and included ice pack to prep for shipping.
Enter harvest data.
You can enter your harvest data in one of two ways: online (preferred method) or by filling out the paper datasheet included with each test kit.
Make sure to record your barcode number (MNXXXXXX, listed on the sample bag). This number can be used to look up test results or help resolve potential problems.
Request a shipping label.
Request a new shipping label online.
Please only request a shipping label AFTER harvesting a deer. Requesting your label within 72 hours of harvest meets the 72-hour postmark requirement in mandatory testing areas.
All mail-in kits require a new shipping label. Although mail-in kits can be saved and used for future years, requesting a new shipping label after extracting your CWD sample prevents labels from expiring.
Some previously distributed kits had shipping labels pre-attached to the return envelope: the shipping labels in these kits have expired. Please request a new label above to ensure the DNR receives your sample.
Ship back sample.
The shipping company and drop-off locations will be indicated in the letter you recieve with your return service shipping label.
We recommend freezing the lymph nodes and included ice pack for at least 24 hours before shipping to ensure they stay cold.