The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be collecting deer biological data on opening days of the muzzleloader and rifle seasons at various locations across east Tennessee.
Data to be collected includes deer age estimates, antler measurements and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance samples.
Hunters in east Tennessee are encouraged to submit samples for testing at various checking stations across the region on the opening day of muzzleloader season, Nov. 9, and the opening day of gun season, Nov. 23. Additionally, a freezer has been placed near the gate at the TWRA regional office in Morristown for hunters wanting to have their deer specifically tested for CWD. This freezer will be accessible 24 hours a day for convenience. When submitting a deer for testing, please leave a six-inch portion of neck attached to the head to allow an adequate sample to be removed.
CWD was confirmed last December in Fayette and Hardeman Counties and has since been found in Madison and Tipton Counties. The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission established a CWD Unit consisting of the four CWD positive counties and six counties (Gibson, Crockett, Haywood, Shelby, Chester and McNairy Counties) defined as High Risk. CWD has not been confirmed outside the CWD unit in southwestern Tennessee.