Chronic Wasting Disease, commonly called CWD, is a disease in whitetail deer populations that is 100% fatal, detrimental to their population structure, the entire ecosystem, and wildlife-based recreational opportunities. The presence of CWD was recently detected in multiple west Tennessee counties, and is spreading. To ensure the quality and longevity of recreational opportunities in Tennessee, it is imperative to reduce the prevalence and spread of CWD. To help combat CWD, the TN Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is hosting a giveaway that encourages hunters to harvest deer in CWD Units and have them tested at participating testing stations. This will provide wildlife biologists and resource managers the critical information they need to fight CWD. Hunters will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize based on the number of deer harvested and/or tested at participating testing stations.
To enter, participants must be a member of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and email proof of each harvest and/or testing to [email protected]. For more information on CWD and how you can help, visit this link. The following rules and regulations apply:
- Participants must be a member of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Join Here.
- Participants must possess a valid Tennessee resident hunting license.
- All Tennessee state laws and regulations apply.
- Methods of Entry
- Three entries for each of the following:
- Non-BHA members who join BHA TN
- Deer harvested in Unit CWD
- Deer tested in Unit CWD
- Positive CWD test in any part of the state
- One entry for each of the following:
- Deer harvested outside of Unit CWD
- Deer tested outside of Unit CWD
- Unit CWD:
- Shelby County
- Fayette County
- Hardeman County
- McNairy County
- Chester County
- Henderson County
- Madison County
- Haywood County
- Tipton County
- Lauderdale County
- Crockett County
- Gibson County
- A list of drop-off freezers provided by the TWRA is available here. After dropping off the head of your deer inclusive of 6-8 inches of unsevered neck, the TWRA will remove and test the lymph nodes. After that, you will be provided test results, which count as proof of testing.
- Be sure to abide by CWD Affected County Transport Regulations when taking your deer head and neck for testing.
- Proof of harvest and/or testing must be emailed to [email protected].
- By entering into the contest participants agree to the following pledge: “I pledge to honor game transport requirements in Tennessee and all other states; limit the use of urine attractants to certified urine attractants only; follow the regulation prohibiting the placement of grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable products for wildlife in Unit CWD; report potentially positive CWD deer to the TWRA; report any and all CWD hunting violations; have any deer harvested in a Unit CWD tested by at a participating testing facility.”
- Three entries for each of the following:
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