CWD testing and venison donation in Minnesota

Where to get a deer tested, where to look up the result, and where to give venison, from Minnesota’s own agency and the programs’ own pages.

On the national list of states with CWD found in wild deer, elk or moose Checked Sep 18, 2026

Getting a deer tested Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

From the agency’s page: Free mail-in kits and taxidermist partner sampling with results online; the DNR's main CWD page describes mandatory testing in a rotating surveillance block.

CWD testing options Look up a result The agency’s CWD map

Sampling sites, zones and dates are the agency’s to set. Check its page before you go.

Before you eat the meat

CDC advises strongly considering a CWD test before you eat deer or elk meat, and checking whether your state recommends or requires testing where you hunt. Recommendations vary by state.

About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) — CDC

Donating venison in Minnesota

Minnesota Hunter-Harvested Venison Donation Program Minnesota · checked Sep 18, 2026

“Only entire carcasses with the hide attached can be donated.” source
“Cut and wrapped meat will not be accepted for donation.” source
“Field dressed with the hide intact” source
“hunter must provide their MNDNR number and the registration confirmation number” source
“There is no cost to the hunter” source
“Hunters are strongly advised to contact the processor before bringing in a deer” source
“Deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) may be accepted for donation” source
“the processor must hold tested deer until negative CWD test results are obtained” source

CWD: CWD-tested deer may be accepted, but the processor must hold them until a negative CWD result is obtained and keep them apart from other donated deer until then.

The program’s page Find a processor

NRA Hunters for the Hungry National · checked Sep 18, 2026

“Game must be legally harvested” source
“All game must be field dressed” source
“must be legally tagged, and donated in the state it was taken in” source
“Roadkill, no matter what state, is not accepted.” source
“Typically state programs cover the cost of processing” source

The program’s page

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Every pound accounted for.

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