The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) received a positive chronic wasting disease (CWD) test result from a hunter-harvested deer in Montgomery County, the first positive case in the county. CWD is a progressive, fatal nervous-system disease in cervids, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose.
Currently, deer hunting season dates and regulations remain unchanged, and carcass transportation restrictions do not apply because Montgomery County is not within the CWD Management Zone. Please leave carcasses at the location of harvest or dispose of them responsibly. Hunting deer over bait on private land with a Deer Bait Privilege License is legal for the remainder of the season. After this deer season, the baiting prohibition and general wildlife feeding regulations will go into effect.
The Earn-a-Buck harvest incentive program is now available in Montgomery County. Hunters can earn additional bucks by harvesting antlerless deer in Montgomery County and submitting them for CWD testing. Hunters who have already submitted antlerless deer for testing this fall will be provided an earned buck. For more information on Harvest Incentive Programs, visit CWDinTN.org.
The Agency provides free service testing to hunters through partnership with certified laboratories to test samples. So far this hunting season, 950 samples have been submitted for testing across the state. Hunter participation in CWD sampling has been critical for the continued surveillance and monitoring of CWD throughout Tennessee. Hunters can voluntarily access CWD testing through participating taxidermists and meat processors or by using drop-off freezers. Visit CWDinTennessee.org for information on CWD, sampling locations, test results, and current regulations.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
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