East-central CWD surveillance area

• General information
• Hunting information
• Sampling location information
  • Taxidermist information for sampling trophy deer

2020 hunting information

CWD sampling and testing

As part of the DNR’s COVID-19 response, CWD sampling is voluntary for all deer harvested in this CWD surveillance area. CWD sampling stations are available during the regular firearms deer season starting Nov. 7 until the goal of 1,000 deer is reached. When this goal is met, the self-service sampling stations will be removed and a sign will be posted in their place. 

• The DNR highly encourages hunters to help by providing the head of any harvested adult deer (1 year or older) at a self-service sampling station during all hunting seasons.
• Due to uncertainty of COVID-19, station locations could change in each area. Visit this page to see current sampling station locations.
• You will need to provide the township, range and section of your harvest location. Maps are provided at each station, but hunters are encouraged to have this information for their location of harvest prior to arriving.

The time it takes to receive CWD test results will vary depending on the number of samples collected. Process your deer as you normally would. Keep processed deer separate and identifiable until test results are received.

Test results for all deer that are sampled will be available online at mndnr.gov/cwdcheck.

What can I harvest?

All regular season rules apply. There are no special restrictions or exceptions on harvest in this area.

Is this area affected by carcass movement restrictions?

No. There are no deer carcass movement restrictions for deer taken in any CWD surveillance area, or any area outside of a CWD management or control zone.

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2020 sampling locations

All locations have self-service sampling stations available 24/7, starting Nov. 7 until the goal is reached, unless otherwise noted in the table. Look for an orange "CWD Sampling Station" sign and black barrel (examples: image 1; image 2).

Taxidermist information for sampling trophy deer

If you want to have your trophy deer caped or mounted, the following taxidermists can collect the lymph node samples and deliver them to the DNR for voluntary testing. Taxidermists may charge a fee to cape out your deer prior to extracting the samples. Please contact them ahead of time to schedule an appointment or make sure they are available.

Using a taxidermist for sampling will result in a longer turnaround time for your CWD test results.

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