Texas Parks and Wildlife reminds hunters of new CWD Zones

by admin

CWD is a fatal disease that has been discovered in white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and red deer in localized portions of Texas. To detect and manage this disease, the department has designated CWD Zones.

Hunters who harvest mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, or other exotic CWD-susceptible species within the CWD Zones are REQUIRED to bring their animals to a TPWD check station within 48 hours of harvest. Hunters must check each animal harvested and receive a CWD receipt before taking any part of that animal from the CWD Zone, including any meat or quartered parts.

chronic wasting disease sample receipt

Additional regulations may apply, and additional zones may be established without prior notice upon discovery of CWD. The department will make every effort to publicize the designation and location of CWD Zones and check stations, as well as any special regulations that may be adopted following the publication of this notice. For the latest updates, call or (800) 792-1112, or visit the CWD information page. A hunter who harvests a CWD-susceptible species outside a CWD Zone and wishes to have the animal tested for CWD should contact a wildlife biologist in that area.

As an alternative to TPWD check stations, a list of Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Certified CWD Postmortem Sample Collectors who are also TPWD-approved is provided on the CWD information page.

Please report any symptomatic CWD-susceptible species to your local Texas Game Wardens or Wildlife Biologist.

CWD Check Station Locations

Additional CWD Zones may be established without prior notice upon discovery of CWD.

Kimble County

Trans-Pecos

South Central

Panhandle

Val Verde County

Hunt County

Lubbock County

Lubbock County CWD Zone Description

That portion of the state within the boundaries of a line beginning at the intersection of State Highway (S.H.) 207 and Farm to Market (F.M.) 211 in Garza County; thence west along F.M. 211 to U.S. Highway (U.S.) 87 in Lynn County; thence north along U.S. 87 to F.M. 41 in Lubbock County; thence west along F.M. 41 to F.M. 179; thence north along F.M. 179 to F.M. 2641; thence east along F.M. 2641 to U.S. 62/82; thence east along U.S. 62/82 to S.H. 207 in Crosby County; thence south along S.H. 207 to F.M. 211 in Garza County.

Check Station

Check StationLocationPhoneAvailable DatesAvailable Times
Lubbock CountyNo check station. Sample collection by appointment only.(806) 476-9741Nov 6 – 9
Nov 12 – 16
Nov 19 – 24
Nov 26 – 30
Dec 3 – 7
Dec 10 – 14
Dec 17 – 21
Dec 26 – 28
Dec 31 – Jan 3
9 am — 6 pm

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurological disease in deer, elk, moose and other members of the deer family, known as “cervids.” The disease was first recognized in 1967 in captive mule deer in Colorado, and has since been documented in captive and free-ranging deer in states and two Canadian Provinces. The first case of CWD in Texas was discovered in 2012 in free-ranging mule deer in an isolated area of far West Texas.

This disease presents numerous challenges for state wildlife agencies across North America. Of concern is the potential for decline within deer, elk, or other susceptible cervid populations. In addition, CWD could have indirect impacts on hunting, hunter participation, and economic benefits derived from big game hunting. In Texas, hunting is a $2.2 billion economic engine, supporting many rural towns across the state.

Because eradication is thought to be impossible once CWD becomes established in a population, it is imperative that a sound CWD management program is established to reduce the severity of implications resulting from the disease. Of course, disease prevention is the best approach to protect cervid populations and prevent social and economic repercussions. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) have developed a cooperative CWD management plan to guide both agencies in addressing risks, developing management strategies, and protecting big game resources from CWD in captive or free-ranging cervid.

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