CDFW conducts mule deer helicopter captures to collect critical data for management of the state’s deer populations. During these captures, staff collect physiological (bodily functions) and morphometric (size/shape) measurements, samples for disease surveillance, and body condition in a way that can predict population performance. Animals are also fitted with GPS collars for geospatial tracking. The collars help CDFW understand movement and survival of the animals. They also are instrumental fo

With deer season currently upon us in some areas and quickly approaching in the rest of the state, we need to stay vigilant about testing your harvest for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) both for mandatory hunt zones where it’s required and all the other hunt zones across the state. You can have your harvest sampled for CWD at CDFW sampling stations and offices, participating meat processors and taxidermists and you can also collect your own samples and submit them to us. Find more information abo