Idaho wildlife managers adopt chronic wasting disease rules

In an effort to keep Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) out of the state, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission has approved several new rules.

Bottom line, the rules would ban the import into Idaho of the carcass or any part of a wild deer, elk, or moose from another state or country with any documented case of the disease. There are some exceptions if the animal has been processed.

Other rules would ban the use of natural cervid (deer, elk, moose) urine for hunting big game. Those rules will take effect immediately.

Additional regulations would require some legislative action. They include integrating the department’s risk strategy as a consideration in winter feeding decisions, restricting the public from winter feeding deer and elk in designated CWD management zones, and ban the importation of mule deer, white-tailed deer, and moose, with the exception of existing, permitted rehabilitation facilities.

The commission took the action during meetings in Idaho Falls last week.

Exceptions to the carcass ban include:

Meat that is cut and wrapped; Quarters or deboned meat that does not include brain or spinal tissue; Edible organs that do not include brains; Hides without heads; Upper canine teeth (ivories, buglers, or whistlers); Finished taxidermy; Dried antlers; or Cleaned and dried skulls or skull caps.