Hunters in the chronic wasting disease testing zone for 2026 deer hunting seasons are encouraged to order a free mail-in sampling kit before they head into the field.
This year’s testing zone spans the archery, firearm and muzzleloader seasons and includes the Upper Platte, Plains, Pine Ridge, Sandhills, Platte, Frenchman, Buffalo and Republican units.
Hunters intending to Telecheck their harvest can order a kit through Dec. 25, or they may pick one up at the Nebraska Game and Parks’ offices in Alliance, 299 Husker Road; Kearney, 1617 First Ave.; or North Platte, 301 E. State Farm Road. Samples will be accepted through Jan. 31.
Testing is part of Nebraska Game and Parks’ continued surveillance of chronic wasting disease. Testing and access to results are free of charge to hunters who submit a sample using a kit or check their deer in person.
Request a kit at OutdoorNebraska.gov by searching for “CWD” and filling out the “Request a CWD Sampling Kit” form. Hunters will need to select the deer management unit they intend to hunt and provide their permit number to complete the form and receive a kit. Hunters with unused kits from last year should use them before requesting additional kits.
The kit with supplies, instructions and a free return shipping label will be mailed to the hunter through the U.S. Postal Service; shipping should take three to seven business days.
Hunters should sample their deer within three days of harvest and keep samples frozen until mailed using the free FedEx shipping label. Hunters should not ship samples on Fridays or Saturdays to maximize sample quality.
Kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis as part of Nebraska’s deer health monitoring.
Firearm season hunters in the Upper Platte, Plains, Pine Ridge and Sandhills units wishing to get their deer sampled in person may do so at participating check stations Nov. 14 to 22. Find participating stations closer to the firearm season at OutdoorNebraska.gov on the Deer Hunting page.
Those outside of the testing zone may pay to have their deer tested by Nebraska, Kansas or Wyoming veterinary diagnostic centers. Find details at OutdoorNebraska.gov on the Chronic Wasting Disease page.
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