Deer Carcass Disposal Regulations

The risk of introducing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) from the transport of carcasses of hunter-killed, wild cervids (deer, elk and moose) appears small, when compared to the risk of introduction from the movement of living, infected animals. However, proper disposal of carcasses, trims, and parts would virtually eliminate the risk of CWD introduction from hunter-killed deer, elk, or moose, regardless of the origin, destination, or health of the animal.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife established Administrative Rule 1501: 31-19-02 concerning proper transportation of hunter-killed wild cervids (deer, elk and moose):

Carcass parts acceptable from out-of state: Deer and elk hunters who choose to hunt in CWD-affected areas must bone out the meat before returning to Ohio with an elk, mule deer, caribou, white-tailed deer or moose harvested from a place designated as a Chronic Wasting Disease positive area by the state wildlife agency. Only the following may be brought back into Ohio:

• Meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached;
• Meat that is boned out, securely and completely wrapped either commercially or privately;
• Cleaned hides with no heads attached;
• Skull plates that have been cleaned of all meat and brain tissue;
• Antlers with no meat or tissue attached;
• Cleaned upper canine teeth;
• Hides and capes without any part of the head or lymph nodes attached; or
  Finished taxidermy mounts.

White-tailed Deer Harvested in Ohio: Irresponsible dumping of carcasses can spread disease. Hunters who process their white-tailed deer at home should properly dispose of hide, brain and spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils, bones, and head in an approved landfill.

Gutting/Viscera in the Field: It is unlikely that hunters would increase CWD transmission by leaving gutted abdominal parts (not the head or spinal cord) in the field.