Sampling stations available throughout the state

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) is encouraging hunters to utilize the self-service Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling stations located throughout the state as part of its annual CWD surveillance effort. Alabama’s archery deer season opened statewide on October 15. For complete seasons and bag limits visit, www.outdooralabama.com/seasons-and-bag-limits/deer-season.

CWD is a contagious and fatal neurological disease that affects members of the deer family. The disease was discovered in deer in parts of Mississippi and Tennessee in 2018, causing Alabama to intensify its CWD surveillance effort. To date, no cases of CWD have been found in Alabama.

For an up-to-date map with directions to the CWD sampling stations, visit www.outdooralabama.com/cwd-sampling.

To prepare the sample to be dropped off at one of the sampling locations, hunters must first remove the deer’s head leaving 4-6 inches of neck attached. Once it’s removed, place the head in the provided plastic bag and tie it closed. For bucks, antlers can be removed at the base of each antler or by removing the skull plate before bagging the head. Next, complete all sections of the Biological Sample Tag and attach it to the bag with a zip tie. Remove and retain the bottom receipt portion of the Biological Sample Tag before placing the bagged head in the freezer. Plastic sample bags, tags and zip ties are provided at each freezer location.

Additionally, hunters can have deer sampled at any WFF District Office or at the WFF office in Demopolis, Alabama. When providing samples at WFF offices, hunters can bring a whole deer, field-dressed deer or just the head from a harvested animal. WFF offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hunters should call ahead so a biologist is available to collect the sample. District office contact information is available at www.outdooralabama.com/wildlife-section.

Test results will be available online at www.outdooralabama.com/cwd-sampling-results within three to four weeks of dropping off the samples.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visitwww.outdooralabama.com.

 

Contact: WFF Wildlife Section, (334) 242-3469