Taxidermy and Processing
Cervid Health Cooperator Program
Join the Cervid Health Cooperator (CHC) Team!
The Cervid Health Cooperator (CHC) Program is a partnership involving the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, taxidermists, and deer processors to increase surveillance for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in our state. Taxidermists and deer processors enrolled in the program will learn how to collect samples, and they will earn money for their efforts. Participants may elect to collect deer heads ($5 per head) or lymph nodes ($15 for each testable sample).
To become a CHC or learn more about the program, contact your local District Biologist. A one-on-one or small group training will be scheduled, which will include a hands-on demonstration on collecting the medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Only certified collectors will be paid.
Printable Materials
Seen a Sick Deer?
If you have seen or harvested a sick deer, please call your local District Biologist or the Wildlife Helpline at 1-866-318-2401.
Signs to look for:
- Isolation from other animals
- Listlessness or showing little or no interest in their surroundings
- Lack of coordination
- Frequent lowering of the head
- Blank facial expressions
- Walking in set patterns
- Drooling and grinding of teeth
- Drinking lots of water and increased urination
- Low weight
For more information, see our Chronic Wasting Disease Fact Sheet (PDF).