State
CWD rules in Wisconsin
CWD zone status
Agency
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)
Last verified
June 16, 2026
CWDCrossing provides informational summaries of state CWD carcass-transport regulations. Rules change annually pre-hunting-season; verify with both the origin and destination state wildlife agencies before transport. Failure to comply may result in citations. Not affiliated with the CWD Alliance, the National Deer Association, or any state agency.
Bringing a carcass into Wisconsin
Wisconsin is the regulating authority for what you can bring in. CWD confirmed and widespread in Wisconsin. Official DNR carcass page confirms the restriction applies only to CWD-detected states/provinces and the 72-hour processor/taxidermist rule; the exempt-parts enumeration corroborated from DNR materials.
Allowed for import
- Meat that is cut and wrapped
- Quarters/meat with no spinal column attached
- Deboned meat
- Hides with no heads attached
- Finished taxidermy heads/mounts
- Antlers with no tissue attached
- Clean skull plates with no lymphoid or brain tissue
Restricted from import
- Whole carcasses from CWD-affected states/provinces (unless to a licensed processor/taxidermist within 72 hours)
- Carcass parts containing spinal column, head, brain, or lymphoid tissue from CWD-affected areas
Handling + processing
Whole carcasses and restricted parts from CWD-detected states/provinces may enter Wisconsin only if taken to a licensed meat processor or permitted taxidermist within 72 hours of entry. Exempt low-risk parts may be imported without that restriction.
Taking a carcass out of Wisconsin
When you hunt in Wisconsin and bring the carcass to another state, that destination state sets the rule. Because Wisconsin has confirmed CWD detections, several destination states apply their stricter "from a CWD-affected state" rule to carcasses originating here — plan to bring back lower-risk parts only.
Wisconsin on the CWD map
- CWD confirmed in state
- Under heightened surveillance
- No known CWD detections
Zone status is informational, not a hazard rating. Detections expand over time — confirm current status with each state's wildlife agency.
CWDCrossing provides informational summaries of state CWD carcass-transport regulations. Rules change annually pre-hunting-season; verify with both the origin and destination state wildlife agencies before transport. Failure to comply may result in citations. Not affiliated with the CWD Alliance, the National Deer Association, or any state agency.