CWD testing and venison donation in Ohio

Where to get a deer tested, where to look up the result, and where to give venison, from Ohio’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 Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife

From the agency’s page: Sampling is mandatory in the Disease Surveillance Area on the first two days of the early and statewide gun seasons; outside it, testing is through the state agriculture lab for a fee.

Chronic Wasting Disease (Deer) 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 Ohio

Field to Food Bank (Ohio Division of Wildlife) Ohio · checked Sep 18, 2026

“Be sure you have game-checked your deer before proceeding to a drop-off station.” source
“These dates and collection locations are the only ones available” source
“the processing fee is covered by the Ohio Division of Wildlife” source
“venison that has already been processed cannot be donated” source
“a donated deer still counts towards the hunter's bag limit” source
“All deer harvested in the Disease Surveillance Area must be tested for CWD” source
“Results where CWD is detected will not be donated.” source

CWD: Deer harvested in Ohio's CWD Disease Surveillance Area must be CWD tested before they can be donated, and deer with CWD-detected results are not donated.

The program’s page

Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry National · checked Sep 18, 2026

“Donate deer, elk, or livestock at our participating butchers!” source
“We recommend contacting butchers ahead of time to confirm current participation” source
“all processing costs are paid for by the program depending on available funding” 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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Every pound accounted for.

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