Mandatory CWD Testing in 2021:
CPW will require mandatory submission of CWD test samples (heads) from all ELK and DEER harvested for specific hunt codes. The hunt codes selected for mandatory testing are shaded green in the Big Game Brochure. There will be no charge for mandatory testing.
Elk
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing for elk (bulls and cows) is mandatory and free for all rifle season hunters who have harvested in the hunt codes shaded green in the big game brochure. Not all rifle hunt codes were selected for mandatory testing within each GMU like they are for deer, so a list of GMUs is not provided for elk.
Deer
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing for deer (bucks and does) is mandatory and free for all rifle season hunters who have harvested in the following game management units (GMUs): 1, 2, 6, 16, 17, 31, 32, 44, 52, 161, 171, 201, 411, 444, 521
Voluntary CWD Testing for 2021
Hunters who have harvested deer in any GMUs other than those listed above, or harvested any elk or moose (in all GMUs) may also voluntarily submit their animal for testing for a fee of $25 per animal. If a hunter is not selected for mandatory testing but wants to know whether their harvested deer, elk or moose has CWD, they can submit their animal and pay a testing fee of $25.
Free voluntary deer CWD testing will also be provided to:
Testing fees for voluntary submissions will be waived for all deer ONLY (not elk) harvested within the same (mandatory testing) GMUs listed above. Voluntary submissions are accepted annually statewide.