BULLETIN: DEER, ELK and MOOSE CARCASS TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS

The number one objective in the management of chronic wasting disease (CWD) is to prevent it from spreading into new areas. One theoretical mode of disease transmission is through infected deer, elk or moose carcasses. Therefore, in an effort to minimize the risk of the disease spreading, Florida has adopted regulations affecting the transportation of hunter-harvested deer, elk and moose from CWD-infected areas.

It is illegal to bring into Florida carcasses of any species of the family Cervidae (e.g. deer, elk and moose) from 14 states and two Canadian provinces where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected. These areas are: Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada. Visit the United States Department of Agriculture’s Web site for state-to-state CWD reports.

Hunters still can bring back de-boned meat from any CWD-affected region, as well as finished taxidermy mounts, hides, skulls, antlers and teeth as long as all soft tissue has been removed. Whole, bone-in carcasses and parts are permitted to be brought back to Florida if they were harvested from non-affected CWD areas.

To report sick or dead deer suspected of having CWD, call the CWD hotline (866) 293-9282. For more information about CWD, visit MyFWC.com/cwd.