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Elk and deer hunters must follow carcass importation laws when crossing state lines
10/2/07
Frankfort, Kentucky - Elk hunting seasons are approaching in Kentucky and in many western states. Archery deer season is underway, with gun deer seasons on the horizon in Kentucky and elsewhere. With these seasons comes the need for hunters to check importation laws before moving carcasses across state lines. These laws, which determine which parts of deer and elk hunters may import into Kentucky and other states, exist to protect elk and deer herds from possible disease.
First, hunters should learn whether or not the state in which they intend to hunt deer or elk has Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and elk, believed to be caused by an abnormal protein called a prion. The disease has been found in 14 states and two Canadian provinces. These include Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
In Kentucky, hunters may import a deer or elk carcass from a CWD-infected state only if no part of the brain or spinal column is attached, and these parts are not brought into the state. Inedible parts of deer and elk, including antlers, a clean skull, clean upper canine teeth, the hide or a finished taxidermy product are acceptable.
"Prions do not break down in the environment," said Tina Brunjes, big game program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "So a discarded brain is potentially infectious to other deer and elk."
Chronic Wasting Disease has not been found in Kentucky. State wildlife biologists have tested over 12,500 deer and elk for CWD since 2002; all results have been negative. To keep the disease out of Kentucky, the state has a total importation ban on live deer and elk.
Other states have carcass importation laws as well. Hunters who intend to take deer or elk in Kentucky and then transport carcasses outside of the state should check other states' importation laws before doing so. Also, hunters who intend to hunt in a CWD-infected state may face other regulations.
"If you're going to be hunting in a CWD-positive state, you need to be sure of that state's regulations," said Brunjes. "Some states will require you to submit a sample of the animal. Others have a program in place where you can submit a sample if you choose, but it isn't mandatory."
Though CWD has not been found in Kentucky, hunters can take precautions when field dressing and processing any animal by using disinfected equipment and wearing latex gloves. Household utensils should not be used.
For more information about CWD, log on to fw.ky.gov or pick up a copy of the 2007-08 Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide, available wherever hunting licenses are sold.
-30-
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. KDFWR, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, has an economic impact to the state of $4.8 billion annually. For more information on KDFWR, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.
Media Contact:
Haley Lynch (800) 852-0942 ext. 424
10/2/07
Frankfort, Kentucky - Elk hunting seasons are approaching in Kentucky and in many western states. Archery deer season is underway, with gun deer seasons on the horizon in Kentucky and elsewhere. With these seasons comes the need for hunters to check importation laws before moving carcasses across state lines. These laws, which determine which parts of deer and elk hunters may import into Kentucky and other states, exist to protect elk and deer herds from possible disease.
First, hunters should learn whether or not the state in which they intend to hunt deer or elk has Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and elk, believed to be caused by an abnormal protein called a prion. The disease has been found in 14 states and two Canadian provinces. These include Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
In Kentucky, hunters may import a deer or elk carcass from a CWD-infected state only if no part of the brain or spinal column is attached, and these parts are not brought into the state. Inedible parts of deer and elk, including antlers, a clean skull, clean upper canine teeth, the hide or a finished taxidermy product are acceptable.
"Prions do not break down in the environment," said Tina Brunjes, big game program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "So a discarded brain is potentially infectious to other deer and elk."
Chronic Wasting Disease has not been found in Kentucky. State wildlife biologists have tested over 12,500 deer and elk for CWD since 2002; all results have been negative. To keep the disease out of Kentucky, the state has a total importation ban on live deer and elk.
Other states have carcass importation laws as well. Hunters who intend to take deer or elk in Kentucky and then transport carcasses outside of the state should check other states' importation laws before doing so. Also, hunters who intend to hunt in a CWD-infected state may face other regulations.
"If you're going to be hunting in a CWD-positive state, you need to be sure of that state's regulations," said Brunjes. "Some states will require you to submit a sample of the animal. Others have a program in place where you can submit a sample if you choose, but it isn't mandatory."
Though CWD has not been found in Kentucky, hunters can take precautions when field dressing and processing any animal by using disinfected equipment and wearing latex gloves. Household utensils should not be used.
For more information about CWD, log on to fw.ky.gov or pick up a copy of the 2007-08 Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide, available wherever hunting licenses are sold.
-30-
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. KDFWR, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, has an economic impact to the state of $4.8 billion annually. For more information on KDFWR, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.
Media Contact:
Haley Lynch (800) 852-0942 ext. 424
