Idaho Fish and Game’s Clearwater Region is reminding hunters that deer harvested in designated Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zones must be tested and that special carcass-transport rules apply to deer, elk and moose.
The zones include Game Management Units 14 and 18, along with a portion of Unit 1. Hunters must submit a head or lymph node sample within 10 days of harvest. Fish and Game offices, check stations and designated CWD sampling locations accept heads for testing.
Hunters may request free sampling kits and collect lymph node samples themselves. Testing is free, and results typically take four to six weeks. Hunters can check results online, while Fish and Game will contact hunters directly if a sample tests positive.
Whole deer, elk and moose carcasses harvested in a CWD Management Zone may not be transported outside the zone. Before leaving, animals must be quartered or deboned, with brain and spinal tissue left behind.
Skulls and skull caps must be cleaned and completely dried before transport. European mounts may be processed only within a CWD Management Zone. Caped animals with skulls may be taken to taxidermists or meat processors located within the zone.
Fish and Game keeps heads after sampling and disposes of the remaining tissue. Hunters may retain skull caps or antlers after sampling.
Voluntary CWD samples also are encouraged for deer, elk and moose harvested outside management zones.
Jana Ashling, Clearwater regional wildlife manager, said hunters help the department monitor and manage the disease. She described sample collection as a direct way for hunters to contribute to wildlife management.