MADISON, Wis. — With the archery and crossbow deer seasons beginning Saturday, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters who harvest deer to have adult deer tested for chronic wasting disease.

This year, CWD surveillance will occur throughout 18 counties in northern Wisconsin as part of a multi-year rotation across the state. Enhanced surveillance efforts will also occur around wild and captive positive detections and in counties with low sampling numbers in recent years. Hunter service testing, free of charge, will continue to be provided for adult deer harvested statewide.

As in previous years, CWD sampling will be offered at various locations throughout the state. Options for CWD sampling include both in-person service as well as self-service options.

Hunters are reminded that CWD surveillance efforts focus on testing adult deer, since older deer are more likely to test positive for the disease.

For more information regarding where to take a deer for sampling, go to dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “CWD sampling” or contact local DNR wildlife management staff.