How to Extract a Deer or Elk Lymph Node

1. Fill out data card.
   • Record hunter’s first and last name, GOID, document # from the deer or elk tag (D- 0000000000-0), date, and location of the harvest (hunt zone at a minimum, GPS coordinates preferred).
   • Record the name of the person extracting the lymph node.
   • Place the data card in the outer pocket of the specimen bag or attached to the ear if submitting the head.
     
   • If you do not have a sampling kit, a piece of paper or 3x5 card can be used to record the above information.
   • We will not test samples that cannot be traced back to a specific location or a hunter. 
2. Collect both Retropharyngeal Lymph Nodes (RPLN) – For a trained individual this process can take less than a minute. If you wish to preserve the hide, cape out or skin the animal first.
   • Lymph nodes are located at the base of the skull between the windpipe and the spine. With the deer laid on it's back, head and neck extended, make a cut just behind the jaw through the trachea and esophagus.
   • The paired RPLNs should be located at the 5 and 7 o’clock position relative to the windpipe and are firm, oval to kidney shaped, tan to red tissues between the size of a dime and a quarter.
   • Place each harvested RPLNs in separate sample bags provided.
   • Place the two sample bags in the resealable compartment of the larger specimen bag.  
   • Samples can be frozen until submission to CDFW.
   • If without a sample kit, place both in a single resealable plastic freezer bag. Seal that bag and place it within a second resealable plastic freezer bag along with the paper or 3x5 card containing the requested information.
     

     

   • Videos of how to sample for RPLNs can be found online, below are links to the Wyoming Game and Fish and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife videos
     • WGFD video(opens in new tab)
     • CPW video(opens in new tab)
3. Head collection for later sampling
   • If you are unable to collect the lymph nodes, CDFW asks that you remove the head along with the topmost portion of the neck and attach a data card to the head with tape or zip tie. The head can then be frozen until it can be collected by CDFW.
4. Sample Submission
   • Please reach out to your local CDFW contact to arrange pick up of samples.
   • RPLN samples can also be shipped directly to CDFW. If you reach out to one of the contacts below, they can arrange for a freezer shipping box and label to be sent to your location.
   • For additional information please contact us at cwd@wildlife.ca.gov or (916) 358-2930.

Ship Samples to this address:

CWD Surveillance Program
Wildlife Health Lab
CA Department of Fish and Wildlife
1701 Nimbus Rd. Suite D
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 358-2790