CWD Sampling

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is increasing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling surveillance efforts in northwest Alabama due to the positive detection of CWD. 

Hunters are required to submit heads for CWD testing from all deer harvested within the High-Risk Zone (HRZ) in Lauderdale County at drop-off freezer locations or at scheduled ADCNR mobile sampling stations. Hunters who harvest deer within the Buffer Zone are highly encouraged to submit heads for sampling at drop-off freezer locations anywhere within the CWD Management Zone (CMZ). 

The test used to determine the presence of CWD requires a portion of the deer’s lymph nodes. ADCNR is asking hunters to submit heads of harvested deer for testing at mobile sampling stations, freezer drop-off locations, or Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) offices. Test results will be available within three to four weeks.

Mandatory Sampling Stations

High-Risk Zone (HRZ)

• November 19-20, 2022
• December 3-4, 2022

Buffer Zone (BZ)

• November 19-20, 2022
• January 7-8, 2023

CWD Management Zone Rule 220-2-.167 regarding Mandatory Sampling

Mandatory sampling of all deer killed on WMAs and CHAs in CMZ

• WMA Check Stations
• Drop off freezers
• DCNR mobile sampling locations**

Mandatory sampling of deer killed in HRZ on scheduled dates

• Drop off freezers
• DCNR mobile sampling locations**

Mandatory sampling of deer killed in BZ on scheduled dates

• Drop off freezers
• DCNR mobile sampling locations**

**Location(s) will be announced before deer season

Sampling at WFF Offices

• Hunters can also have deer sampled at any WFF District Office or at the WFF office in Marengo County. 
• 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.
• The WFF office in Marengo County is located at 1105 Bailey Dr., Demopolis, Alabama, 36732, phone number 334-289-8030.

Click here for WFF District Office contact information 

Drop-Off Sampling Locations

The map below has the current drop-off sampling locations for CWD testing. Find the nearest location on the map and click on the associated icon. You will be provided location information and the hours of operation. 

How to Prepare Samples for Drop-Off Sites

• To prepare the sample to be dropped off at one of the self-service locations, hunters must first remove the deer’s head leaving 4-6 inches of neck attached. 

• Once it is 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.  

• Complete all sections of the Biological Sample Tag and attach it to the bag with a zip tie. Biological Sample Tag must be filled out completely in order to be tested. When filling out the sample tag be specific on the location of where the deer was harvested. 

• 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.