How To Submit a Deer Head for the CWD Program
/Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is one of the greatest threats facing deer, elk and moose in North America. Early detection is critical to understanding where the disease is present and helping wildlife managers make informed decisions to protect B.C.'s cervid populations.
The Golden & District Rod & Gun Club serves as a CWD sample drop-off location, making it easy for local hunters to contribute to the province's surveillance efforts.
You can learn more about CWD on the Government BC website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-conservation/wildlife-health/chronic-wasting-disease
How to Submit Your Deer Head
Submitting a sample is quick and straightforward:
Harvest your animal and retain the head. If you’d like to learn more about how to submit the head while keeping the antlers, watch the video below.
Drop off your sample at the Golden & District Rod & Gun Club clubhouse freezer. An ear card (provided at freezer) must be completed and attached with a zap-strap (provided) to either the ear, the skull (if skinned) or the sample.
Record or take a photo of the unique ID on your CWD ear card. This ID can be used to look up the results of your sample online later.
The head will then be submitted to the BC Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Program for testing.
For more information and details on submitting a CWD sample: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-conservation/wildlife-health/chronic-wasting-disease/cwd-surveillance-and-testing#submission-instructions
Why Your Submission Matters
Every sample helps build a better understanding of CWD in British Columbia. Even if your animal appears healthy, testing provides valuable information that helps wildlife biologists monitor the disease and respond quickly if it is detected.
By participating, you're helping protect the future of hunting and conserving healthy wildlife populations for generations to come.