Recent Violations Prompt DWR Reminder on Preventing Chronic Wasting Disease

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Recent Violations Prompt DWR Reminder on Preventing Chronic Wasting Disease. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Issues Urgent Guidance for Hunters.Salt Lake City, Utah - The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is issuing a stern reminder to hunters who harvest big game animals in states with chronic wasting disease (CWD) to strictly adhere to the laws for transporting the carcasses to prevent the further spread of this debilitating disease in Utah. CWD is a relatively rare, transmissible disease that affects deer, elk, and moose.

Unfortunately, this fall, DWR conservation officers have encountered several instances of hunters transporting deer and elk from CWD-positive areas back into Utah without following the established regulations. On October 30 alone, four individuals were apprehended while returning from regions in Colorado known for CWD with the full heads of deer or elk, including the brains, still intact. These individuals intended to dispose of the remains in Utah, a practice that poses a significant threat to the state's deer and elk populations.

The Importance of Proper Transport Procedures

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The DWR emphasizes that hunters must adhere to specific guidelines to prevent the spread of CWD when transporting big game carcasses from other states. These guidelines include:

·         Bone-in meat only: Only boneless meat from deer, elk, and moose is allowed for transportation into Utah. This means that skulls, spinal columns, and other bones must be removed and disposed of in the state where the animal was harvested.

·         No brain tissue: Brain tissue is the most infectious part of a CWD-positive animal, so it is crucial to avoid transporting it. Hunters should either remove and dispose of the brain at the harvest site or have it professionally removed by a licensed taxidermist.

·         Carcass restrictions: Hunters must comply with carcass restrictions imposed by the state of origin. These restrictions may limit the amount of carcass material that can be transported or require the carcass to be processed in a specific manner.

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Consequences of Non-compliance

Failure to adhere to the CWD transportation regulations can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspensions, and potential criminal charges. These penalties serve to protect Utah's wildlife resources and ensure the long-term health of deer, elk, and moose populations.

Protecting Utah's Wildlife Heritage

Hunters play a vital role in Utah's wildlife management efforts, and their cooperation in preventing the spread of CWD is essential. By following the established transportation guidelines, hunters can safeguard the health of Utah's deer, elk, and moose populations and preserve this valuable part of the state's natural heritage.

DWR Resources for Hunters

The DWR provides comprehensive resources to educate hunters about CWD and the proper procedures for transporting big game carcasses from other states. Hunters are encouraged to visit the DWR website or contact local DWR offices for detailed information and guidance.

Together, hunters and the DWR can work collectively to protect Utah's wildlife resources and ensure the continued health of deer, elk, and moose populations for future generations to enjoy.

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