CWD testing and venison donation in South Dakota

Where to get a deer tested, where to look up the result, and where to give venison, from South Dakota’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 South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

From the agency’s page: PDF (no HTML testing page); GFP pays the lab testing cost, with drop-off at GFP offices or mailed lymph nodes (hunter pays shipping), and results are sent to the hunter.

CWD Testing

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 South Dakota

South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger South Dakota · checked Sep 18, 2026

“participating commercial processor, and indicate you want to donate it” source
“the big game processing certificates are worth $85 for each donated doe/antlerless deer” source
“you would be responsible for paying any remaining fee at the time of donation” source
“only pays toward the processing of antlerless deer, doe/fawn antelope, and Canada geese” source
“SDSAH has discontinued the requirement for CWD testing.” source
“harvested deer and elk do NOT need to be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease” source
“processed donated meat has not been tested for disease or lead contamination” source

CWD: SDSAH does not require CWD testing before donation; burger bags carry a notice that the donated meat has not been tested for disease.

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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