CWD Testing

Hunter participation in CWD testing is critical for the continued surveillance and monitoring of CWD throughout the state. To test deer for CWD, trained individuals extract lymph nodes from the base of a deer’s skull, pack the tissue in ice, and send these samples to an accredited laboratory. To get your deer tested for CWD, the following options are available.

Drop-off  Sampling Locations

If you are hunting in the CWD Management Zone, please remember to follow the Carcass Transport Restrictions when moving your deer before it is processed.

Click the image to the right to open an Interactive Map where you will find all CWD sampling locations. Zoom in on the map to see more details; type a county or city name in the search box to zoom to that area; click on an icon on the map to open a window with more information about the site

Drop-off Freezers. Follow the instructions on the freezer. You will need to leave the head of your deer, with antlers removed, plus 6 to 8 inches of neck to allow for lymph node extraction.

Drop-off Freezer Locations

Participating Taxidermists and Meat Processors. You can have your deer processed at these participating vendors or just submit the head of your deer, with antlers removed, plus 6 inches of the neck and they will work with TWRA to test your deer for CWD.

Participating Taxidermists
Participating Meat Processors

What’s Next?

The primary method that TWRA will use to report CWD test results to hunters will be by email. You may also receive a text message notifying you when your results are available. It is a good idea to make sure that your TWRA account has an up to date email address and phone number (Go to GoOutdoorsTennessee.com and login to update your information).

Test results will also be added to this online searchable table. For all positive CWD results, NOT including those found in Fayette and Hardeman counties, hunters will also receive a phone call from a TWRA biologist. Once samples are submitted, it takes approximately two (2) weeks to get results. However, it may take about three (3) weeks and sometimes four (4) weeks during the holidays and the peak of the hunting season. If you have waited more that four (4) weeks and have not received your test results, please email TWRA.WildlifeHealth@tn.gov.

Interactive Map of Tennessee Sampling and Freezer Drop Off Locations

CWD Interactive Map
CWD Testing Turn Around

CWD Test Results

Thank you for participating in Tennessee CWD management! The sample you provided for testing will yield important data regarding the prevalence and distribution of CWD in Tennessee.

The primary method that TWRA will use to report CWD test results to hunters will be by email. For all positive CWD results, NOT including those found in Fayette and Hardeman counties, hunters will also receive a phone call from a TWRA biologist. Once samples are submitted, it takes approximately two (2) weeks to get results.

Look-up CWD Test Results for the 2025-2026 Deer Season

To look up your deer’s test results, type in the Harvest Confirmation Number associated with your deer in the search bar below. CWD test results are listed in the table below by harvest confirmation number. Hunters who have had their deer tested for CWD will also receive the results by way of an email.

Confirmation numbers that are incorrect or that have not been received will not show a result. Please double check your confirmation number is correct when looking up your results.

Confirmation Number Date of Harvest County of Harvest Result

Having Trouble?

It is a good idea to make sure that your TWRA account has an up to date email address. To do that, go to GoOutdoorsTennessee.com and login to update your information. If you have waited more that four (4) weeks and have not received your test results, please email TWRA.WildlifeHealth@tn.gov.

Email sign up link