Chronic Wasting Disease Zones & Check Stations map

Find Zones & Check Stations

CWD surveillance zones are found in areas across the state. These zones have special rules for hunters, including mandatory testing.
TPWD check station sign

Bring Harvest to Check Stations

TPWD staff will collect a tissue sample from the deer's head. There are specific guidelines for head removal and transport.
find CWD test result page

Get Your CWD Test Results

CWD testing is free; it takes about two weeks to get your results. Enter your six-digit CWD sample number here to find your result.

Taking Your Harvest to Check Stations

Play Button What to Expect at a CWD Check Station video

What to Expect at a CWD Check Station

If you harvest a deer in a CWD zone, it is mandatory that you present your harvest to a CWD check station within 48 hours. It only takes a few minutes, it's free and it helps manage the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
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How to Use a CWD Test Drop Box

Even if a CWD check station is unattended, you can still drop off a sample of your harvest for testing.

CWD Regulations

girl and man processing deer

Carcass Movement Restrictions in CWD Zones

There are restrictions on which parts of a harvested deer may be transported outside of a CWD zone to help prevent the spread of CWD.
Putting on gloves

Precautions for Hunters

Use common sense precautions while handling and processing your harvest. Never eat meat from an animal that appears sickly.
Elk

Exotic CWD-Susceptible Species

CWD rules apply statewide to harvested exotic CWD susceptible species.

Additional CWD Resources

Publications

Websites

Frequently Asked Questions for Hunters

Why test for CWD?

  • Testing deer and other susceptible species for CWD allows wildlife biologists and animal health officials to get a clearer picture of the prevalence and distribution of the disease across Texas.
  • Proactive monitoring improves the state's response time to a CWD detection and can reduce the risk of the disease further spreading to neighboring deer populations. With each discovery of a new CWD-positive area in the state, CWD zones are established as a strategy to manage and contain the disease.
  • Testing within established CWD zones will help determine the geographic distribution and prevalence of the disease or, in some cases, confirm that the disease has not been established outside of captive-deer breeding facilities.

How do I know if I am required to have my deer tested?

  • Testing all harvested susceptible species is required if harvested within the boundaries of one of the CWD zones. Since these CWD zones change, it's best to consult the TPWD website for the specific area of your hunt to determine if testing is required. Hunters who harvest mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk or other CWD-susceptible exotic species within a CWD Zone where mandatory sampling is required must have their animal tested for CWD.
  • Hunters are required to bring their harvested animal to the designated check station for that CWD zone within 48 hours of harvest.
  • To see if your hunting location is in a CWD zone, see the CWD zone map.

See All FAQs for Hunters