ODFW release - SALEM, Ore. – ODFW is increasing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) monitoring across Oregon, with new check stations planned as Any Legal Weapon deer seasons start statewide on Oct. 3. All successful deer and elk hunters are asked to turn in a CWD sample, and each sample submitted between Aug. 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027, earns the hunter one entry into a drawing for a Howa 1500 .223 caliber rifle courtesy of the Oregon Hunters Association. “With CWD detected in almost every bordering state, it is more imperative than ever for hunters to provide our unique contribution toward CWD detection and surveillance by voluntarily submitting samples from our harvested deer and elk,” said OHA Conservation Director Tyler Dungannon. “Positive detections in nearby states are very concerning,” said Ashley Reeder, ODFW’s CWD Surveillance Coordinator. “Early detection is our best tool in reducing the disease’s impact on Oregon’s deer, elk, and moose populations.” Sampling is quick. It takes roughly 10 minutes to collect lymph nodes and hunter details. If you don’t pass a check station, there are several other ways to get your animal tested. Visit a participating taxidermist or meat processor, make an appointment at an ODFW office, or drop the head in an after-hours collection bin available at certain ODFW offices. Visit ODFW’s CWD page to learn more about all the ways to get your animal sampled. Successful hunters should keep their eyes out for posted highway signs alerting you of an upcoming check station. Check station information is subject to change, and additional stations may be added throughout hunting season. It is mandatory for hunters to stop at a CWD check station if you pass one while transporting harvested deer or elk.