WDFW issues warning regarding transporting game meat

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued a statement to remind Washington-based hunters of rules associated with bringing game meat into the Evergreen State from other states. 

"Our officers have already seized several animals this season that otherwise could have been lawfully imported to prevent further risk to our state,” said WDFW Deputy Chief Paul Golden. "We do not want to seize anymore”. 

To mitigate the risk of spreading Chronic Wasting Disease from other states as well as regions where WSD has been seen — Game Management Units 124, 127 and 130 — certain rules must be followed under the Washington Administrative Code, the statement said. The law places restrictions on the import of deer, elk, moose and caribou into Washington if harvested outside the state or in those GMUs. Meat from harvested game animals of these species must be deboned with all soft tissue removed from skulls, antlers and hides.  

The following items are legally allowed to be transported into and around Washington:  

• Meat deboned where it was harvested and imported as boned-out meat. 
• Skulls and antlers, with velvet removed.  
• Antlers attached to the skull plate or upper canine teeth — buglers, whistlers, ivories — from which all soft tissues have been removed.  
• Hides or capes without heads attached. 
• Tissue imported for use by a diagnostic or research laboratory. 
• Finished taxidermy mounts.  

Violations of the rule may lead to the imported meat being confiscated and up to a $5,000 fine under RCW 77.15.290, the statement said.  

WDFW reports that CWD cases have been confirmed in Spokane County this year and that the rules regarding the transport of game animal remains are intended to ensure the disease does not spread in Washington. Infections have also been found in 34 other states and four Canadian provinces as well.