Get free CWD testing for your deer at these MS taxidermists in 2026-27 – The Clarion-Ledger

For some people, it feels like deer season ended just a few weeks ago, but here it is again. The early archery season for bucks has already taken place and the fall archery season opens Oct. 1.
As in recent years, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is asking for hunters’ help in the management of chronic wasting disease by having their deer tested.
Participating taxidermists will collect tissue samples from deer at customers’ requests and have them tested for the disease free of charge.
While testing is voluntary other than during the three-day early archery season, the department urges hunters to have their deer tested as the data helps the effort to slow the spread of the disease.
The disease is always fatal in deer and although there has been no known case of it spreading to humans, the CDC warns against consuming infected deer. So, hunters should know if their deer is infected as well.
Since the disease was first detected in Mississippi in 2018, 581 cases have been found in the state as of Sept. 11, 2026.
Following are the participating taxidermists who will collect tissue samples from deer to be mounted and have them tested for the 2026-27 deer season.
Adams County
Alcorn County
Amite County
Attala County
Benton County
Bolivar County
Calhoun County
Claiborne County
Clarke County
Copiah County
Covington County
Desoto County
Forrest County
Franklin County
George County
Grenada County
Harrison County
Hinds County
Itawamba County
Jackson County
Jones County
Lamar County
Leake County
Lee County
Lincoln County
Marshall County
Monroe County
Neshoba County
Newton County
Oktibbeha County
Panola County
Pearl River County
Pontotoc County
Rankin County
Scott County
Simpson County
Stone County
Tate County
Tippah County
Union County
Walthall County
Warren County
Washington County
Yazoo County
A lifelong outdoorsman and wildlife enthusiast, Brian Broom has been writing about hunting, fishing and Mississippi’s outdoors for the Clarion Ledger for more than 14 years. He can be reached at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

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