Spokane, Washington Wildlife officials in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon are advising hunters to check state laws governing the importation of game animals as hunting season draws near throughout the Northwest.
Each state has limitations on what portions of deer, elk, moose, and caribou carcasses can be transported across state or provincial borders, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
Hunter Westacott, WDFW’s CWD Surveillance Program Coordinator, stated that these regulations are in place to assist control the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). These regulations are in place in many states and nations, not simply those with verified cases of CWD.
In 2021, Idaho confirmed its first case of CWD, and in 2024, Washington followed suit. To slow the development of the deadly neurological disease that affects moose, deer, and elk, new rules were put into place in both states. Oregon is working to prevent CWD out of the state and has not yet discovered it.
The transfer of corpses by humans is extremely dangerous, according to ODFW officials. Ashley Reeder, ODFW’s CWD Coordinator, stated that we can lessen the possibility of infectious corpse parts traveling and transmitting CWD by adhering to each state’s regulations.
In five Canadian provinces and 36 U.S. states, chronic wasting disease has been identified. This fall, hunters who are going out of state are urged to research the regulations of any states they will be passing through in addition to the state in which they intend to hunt. Game meat confiscation and fines may follow violations.
According to IDFG Public Information Supervisor Roger Phillips, the ultimate objective is to limit or stop the spread of CWD. Hunters should take the management of corpse movement seriously by being aware of and following the transit regulations in each state.
The websites of the following agencies provide more information, including materials on chronic wasting disease and state-specific regulations:
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Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife:
wdfw.wa.gov
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Idaho Department of Fish and Game:
idfg.idaho.gov/cwd
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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:
myodfw.com/CWD
