FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky hunters can turn in deer samples over the next few months for chances to win a prize.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging hunters statewide to submit samples deer to be entered into a prize giveaway. The deer must be harvested legally and telechecked.
The “Shoot for Samples” Regional Giveaway runs through Jan. 20, 2025, and aims to support Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's efforts to collect more samples for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing as it monitors the state's deer population.
“Hunters play a crucial role in helping us understand the distribution and prevalence of CWD by collecting samples to submit for testing,” said Joe McDermott, deer program coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “This giveaway shows our appreciation for their efforts, and we’re grateful to our sponsors for making it possible.”
The giveaway will take place across five regions in Kentucky: Bluegrass, Northeast, Southeast, Green River and Purchase. At the end of deer season, one winner from each region will be drawn and notified by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff.
Prizes include gift cards valued between $500 and $1000 along with an Elite Carbon Era bow courtesy of Copperhead Guns & Range, First Choice Firearms, Uncle Lee’s and Double T Electric LLC.
Hunters are automatically entered in the giveaway when they drop off deer heads at CWD Sample Drop-off sites or submit lymph node samples using the department’s CWD Sample Mail-in Kits. Each sample submitted earns one entry into the giveaway.
Hunters must abide by all bag limits and applicable rules and regulations for deer hunting. All samples submitted for the giveaway must come from deer harvested in Kentucky due to statewide carcass importation restrictions. Testing for CWD is free, with results available online within four to six weeks.
“We invite all hunters to take part in this exciting initiative,” McDermott said. “It’s a great way to support the health of Kentucky’s deer herd while enjoying the hunting season.”
