Deer Hunt 2026

Manitowoc County has four primary CWD sampling locations available to hunters during the 2026 deer season. These sites are part of the Wisconsin DNR’s surveillance network and are located at a mix of kiosks and cooperating partners.

Local testing locations include:

• BRW in Valders

• Collins Marsh (Next to brown pole shed)

• Kiel Fish & Game Club

• Manitowoc Gun Club

• Mishicot Country Visions (by the hardware store)
   

These sites provide convenient access for hunters across the county, especially important after Manitowoc County’s first confirmed CWD-positive deer was detected in early 2025.

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How CWD Testing Works

The Wisconsin DNR offers several testing methods statewide, all of which are available to Manitowoc County hunters:

• Self‑Service Kiosks (24/7): Hunters drop off a deer head with at least 5 inches of neck attached. Kiosks include bags, tags, instructions, and a QR code or link to submit harvest information online.

• Cooperating Partners (Processors & Clubs): Locations like BRW Processing and Kiel Fish & Game can collect the deer head or remove lymph nodes during processing—ideal for hunters planning a shoulder mount or European mount.

• At‑Home Lymph Node Extraction: Hunters may pick up a kit from a kiosk, extract the retropharyngeal lymph nodes themselves using DNR instructions, and return the sample for testing.

• By Appointment with Local DNR Staff: Hunters can schedule an in‑person sample submission, though availability is limited.
   

Results & Follow‑Up:

CWD test results typically return within two weeks. If a deer tests positive, the DNR automatically issues a replacement harvest authorization to the hunter’s Go Wild account within 2–4 days, ensuring hunters do not lose their season opportunity.

Proper disposal of deer carcasses is one of the most critical steps hunters can take to help slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) across Wisconsin’s deer population. CWD is a fatal neurological disease caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which can persist in soil and remain infectious for years. When carcasses from infected deer are left on the landscape—especially in areas where other deer feed or congregate—those prions can contaminate the environment and expose healthy deer to infection. Responsible disposal prevents this contamination and helps protect the long-term health of local herds and hunting traditions.
 

Local dumpster locations include (they will be placed and made available on November 2):

• Larabee Sportsmen's Club

• Westshore Sportsmen's Club

• Manitowoc Gun Club

• Kiel Fish & Game

Hunters are encouraged to use designated carcass disposal sites or landfills approved by the Wisconsin DNR, rather than leaving remains in the field or transporting them across county lines. Bagging and sealing carcass parts before disposal, avoiding baiting or feeding near disposal areas, and cleaning equipment thoroughly after processing are all simple but powerful actions that reduce risk. By taking these precautions, hunters not only safeguard wildlife but also uphold the values of conservation and stewardship that define Wisconsin’s outdoor heritage.​