Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in Decatur County Deer, Hunters Alerted

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reported a positive chronic wasting disease test in a hunter harvested deer in Decatur County on December 2, 2025. This is the first confirmed CWD detection in the county. Because Decatur County lies inside the current CWD Management Zone, rules intended to limit the spread of the disease were already in force and remain unchanged. Deer hunting season dates and regulations are not affected.

Hunters in Decatur County are now eligible for the Earn a Buck Program. Under that program hunters may earn additional antlered deer by harvesting antlerless deer and submitting those animals for CWD testing. Hunters who have already submitted antlerless deer for testing this fall will be credited with an earned buck. Additional program details and statewide management information are available at CWDinTN.org.

Transport and feeding rules within the CWD Management Zone limit how carcasses and attractants move and are placed. Deer carcasses may move within and between counties in the CWD Management Zone, but whole or field dressed carcasses and unapproved parts may not be moved outside the zone. Once a carcass is brought into the zone it cannot be moved out. Approved parts, which may be transported anywhere statewide, include deboned meat, antlers, antlers attached to cleaned skull plates, cleaned skulls with no meat or tissue attached, cleaned teeth, finished taxidermy and antler products, and hides and tanned products.

Placement of grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable natural and manufactured products that could attract deer is prohibited inside the CWD Management Zone. Exceptions apply when feed or minerals are placed within one hundred feet of a residence or occupied building, when they are set up to reasonably exclude deer access, when they are part of an agency authorized wild hog management effort, or when they result from normal agricultural, forest management, or crop and wildlife food production practices.

Hunter participation in testing remains critical for surveillance. Hunters can access testing through participating taxidermists and meat processors or by using drop off freezers. The Decatur County drop off freezer is located at First Farmers Co Op, 423 W. Main St., Decaturville, TN 38239 0037. Chronic wasting disease is a progressive fatal nervous system disease of cervids including white tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. The agency partners with certified laboratories for testing and has submitted approximately 4,400 samples so far this hunting season as part of statewide monitoring and public safety efforts. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors, and for public safety through enforcement and outreach.