Chronic Wasting Disease Found in Montgomery County
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirmed the county's first case in a hunter-harvested deer, prompting new testing incentives.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Hunting
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The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirmed chronic wasting disease in a hunter-harvested deer in Montgomery County. It is the county's first confirmed case, and deer season dates and regulations remain unchanged.
Why it matters
Chronic wasting disease is a progressive, fatal illness affecting the nervous systems of deer, elk, and moose, so detection in a new county affects hunters and wildlife across Tennessee. The agency is encouraging hunters statewide to submit samples for testing.
Tennessee has submitted 950 samples for CWD testing statewide this season, and Montgomery County's detection is its first confirmed case. The source does not indicate how the infected deer acquired the disease or whether other cases are present locally.
The players
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)
The state agency responsible for managing Tennessee's wildlife, including hunting regulations and disease monitoring programs.
The details
Hunters can submit samples through participating taxidermists and meat processors or use drop-off freezers, and free testing is available through certified laboratory partners. The Earn-a-Buck program is now available in Montgomery County, allowing hunters to earn additional bucks by harvesting antlerless deer and submitting them for testing.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: TWRA announces the Montgomery County detection.
After the deer season: Baiting prohibition and general wildlife feeding regulations take effect.
Roadmap
Montgomery County falls outside Tennessee's CWD Management Zone, meaning this detection extends the disease's documented presence beyond the zone's current boundaries. The finding places new pressure on the state's surveillance and testing framework established around the zone.
Hunters in Montgomery County can now earn additional bucks through the Earn-a-Buck program by harvesting and submitting antlerless deer for testing. Deer bait privilege licenses still allow hunting over bait on private land for the rest of the season.
The takeaway
Hunters across Tennessee can help track the disease by submitting samples for free testing this season. Checking testing locations before harvesting can make participation easier.
Further reading
Explore more Hunting coverage for regulations and seasonal guidance across Tennessee.
More information
Find CWD testing locations, results, and regulations on the official state resource.
Live Poll
Do you trust state wildlife agencies to manage chronic wasting disease in your area?
