Deer carcass transport rule changes

[Dewey]

The Rules restricting hunter transport of deer and elk carcasses in Wisconsin have recently been changed. First implemented in the 2009 hunting seasons, these rules were created in response to growing evidence indicating that carcasses of CWD-infected cervids are a potential source of infectious prions for healthy cervids. The greatest risk of transmission is associated with lymphoid, brain, and spinal tissue, so these tissues were specifically targeted by the regulations. These rules prohibit the importation of whole carcasses from other states and provinces where CWD is known to occur, and prohibit the movement of whole carcasses from the CWD Management Zone to the rest of the state.



The following items are expressly allowed under the current rule and are unaffected by the recent changes:

· Meat that is cut and wrapped (either commercially or privately).

· Quarters or other portions of meat to which no part of the spinal column is attached.

· Meat that has been deboned.

· Hides with no heads attached.

· Finished taxidermy heads.

· Antlers with no tissue attached.

· Clean skull plates with no lymphoid or brain tissue attached.

· Clean skulls with no lymphoid or brain tissue attached.

· Upper canine teeth (also known as buglers, whistlers, or ivories)



Previously, the rule only applied to the areas of states or provinces where CWD had been found. This change would make it apply to the entire state or province, eliminating confusion for hunters about whether or not the restrictions apply to the specific area they hunt and simplifying enforcement.



This rule change also allows hunters to take whole carcasses or parts of carcasses of any cervid (including lymphoid, brain, and spinal tissue) harvested in any state or province or within the WI CWD Management Zone into any part of Wisconsin, provided the carcass or nonexempt parts are taken to a licensed taxidermist or meat processor within 72 hours of registration of a Wisconsin deer, or within 72 hours of entering Wisconsin from another state. Processors and taxidermists must follow strict rules regarding waste disposal. Putting potentially CWD-infected carcasses into the appropriate waste-stream removes the risk of contamination from improper disposal (i.e. dumping it on the “back 40”).



For more information contact Davin Lopez (608) 267-2948

[DevinJD2007]

Thanks for the heads up Dewey.