SPOKANE – With fall hunting seasons approaching across the northwest, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) remind hunters to closely review each state’s rules regarding importation of harvested wildlife.
Each state has rules in place that limit what parts of deer, elk, moose, and caribou carcasses can be imported from other states or Canadian provinces.
“These rules are in effect to help manage the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD),” said Hunter Westacott, WDFW’s CWD Surveillance Program Coordinator. “Many states and countries — not just those with confirmed CWD cases — have these rules.”
Idaho first confirmed the presence of CWD in 2021 and Washington in 2024. Since then, both states have adopted new rules to fight the spread of this fatal neurological disease that, if not managed, can severely impact deer, moose, and elk populations.
Chronic wasting disease has been detected in 36 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. To date, it has not been detected in Oregon. ODFW officials want to keep it that way.
“While natural animal movement is always a concern for disease spread, human movement is just as concerning, if not more, because of how far and often people travel,” said Ashley Reeder, ODFW’s CWD Coordinator. “By following each state’s rules, we can reduce the risk of infectious carcass parts moving and spreading CWD.”
The Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance, a partnership of conservation agencies and groups, has extensive information regarding all aspects of CWD including a list of CWD Regulations by State and Province (PDF) (PDF) (PDF).
Hunters planning to hunt outside their state of residence this fall should review the rules for the state or province they plan to hunt in as well as any states or provinces they travel through, then prepare appropriately. This includes building time into travel or vacation plans to complete rule requirements.
While following each state’s restrictions may take more time than in the past, diligence to do so can help sustain wildlife populations for hunting into the future. Violation of these rules could lead to imported game meat being confiscated and/or fines.
“The ultimate goal is to slow, or prevent, the spread of CWD,” Idaho Fish and Game’s Public Information Supervisor Roger Phillips said. “Managing the movement of carcasses can help, so hunters should take it seriously by knowing and abiding by each state’s transport rules.”
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game all have extensive chronic wasting disease information on their websites. Please review closely while planning your hunts for this fall.
About WDFW
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
About Idaho Fish and Game
Idaho Fish and Game’s mission is to preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage all fish and wildlife in Idaho to ensure continued opportunities for hunting, fishing and trapping in Idaho.
About ODFW
ODFW’s mission is to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.