CWD testing and venison donation in New York

Where to get a deer tested, where to look up the result, and where to give venison, from New York’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 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

From the agency’s page: The agency says CWD is not currently known in wild deer in New York (its recent case was in a captive herd); free head drop-off covers deer from the towns listed on the page, and other hunters can pay for testing.

Chronic Wasting Disease

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 New York

Venison Donation Coalition New York · checked Sep 18, 2026

“CALL AHEAD to make sure the processor is open and accepting deer.” source
“Once you have your deer properly field dressed and legally tagged” source
“Whole deer donations are greatly appreciated but not required.” source
“NO COST TO THE HUNTER/FARMER for the processing fees” source
“distributes venison through thirteen counties in western and central New York” source

The program’s page Find a processor

Feeding New York State Venison Donation Program New York · checked Sep 18, 2026

“Donate any legally harvested deer by dropping it off at a participating processor.” source
“We suggest you call one of the participating processors before dropping off your deer” source
“please complete the log sheet indicating your desire to donate the deer” source
“Let the processor know the type of ammunition/ method used” source

The program’s page

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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