Archery deer season opens Saturday; hunters urged to submit CWD samples

The regular archery deer hunting season opens Saturday, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is encouraging hunters to submit samples from their harvested deer to help track chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Wildlife health biologist AJ Riggs said the commission has set up 101 freezers across the state for sample drop-offs and partnered with 36 taxidermists who can collect samples for hunters. Most samples are tested by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, with results made available to hunters as soon as they are received.

Hunters who submit a deer that tests positive for CWD will be notified immediately. Riggs said the commission also collects data on harvest locations and assists with disposal of infected carcasses if needed. Test results can be accessed securely online using a game check number or via QR codes at collection sites.

To submit a sample, hunters should bring the deer’s head with 4 to 6 inches of neck attached, place it in a provided bag with name and contact information, and remove antlers to prevent punctures. Hunters who wish to retain deer heads can contact a taxidermist or an AGFC regional office.

During last deer season, hunters submitted 8,426 white-tailed deer samples, with 246 testing positive for CWD. Riggs said 114 deer have already been collected this year from early hunts, with four testing positive.

Hunters are advised to check updated CWD testing locations and hours at agfc.com/cwd and to observe CWD zone boundaries when transporting samples.

AGFC to present CWD research

The AGFC will host a public meeting Oct. 2 to present findings from a five-year study on the population impact of CWD in north Arkansas, conducted in partnership with the University of Georgia. Marcelo Jorge, lead researcher on the study, will discuss results at 6 at the Carroll Electric Co-Op building in Jasper. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

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