The Department of Conservation reminds hunters of mandatory CWD testing prior to the fall season

The fall hunting season for firearm deer starts Saturday, Nov. 16, and the Missouri Department of Conservation reminded hunters of mandatory testing for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Hunters in some counties are required to test for CWD.

The CWD Management Zone consists of Adair, Audrain, Barton, Bollinger, Boone, Carroll, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Franklin, Gasconade, Grundy, Howard, Jasper, Jefferson, Lewis, Linn, Livingston, Macon , Maries, Monroe, Newton, Oregon, Osage, Perry, Phelps, Polk, Randolph, Ray, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Shannon, Shelby, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Sullivan, Washington and Webster counties.

On Nov. 16 and 17, hunters in the CWD zone must bring in the carcass or head with at least six inches of the neck attached.

The Ministry of Conservation has some tips for hunters who need to submit a sample:

• Field dress and remotely check your deer before arrival.
• The person who harvested the deer must be present.
• Enter your conservation number and point out the location of the harvest on a map.
• If using a paper permit, detach it from the deer for easy access. If you use the MO Hunting app, you must have your permit and Telecheck information readily available.
• Place the deer in your vehicle with the head and neck accessible.

The MDC said the mandatory sampling is helping them increase the number of tests they can collect.

The department also has a list of testing stations.