No. 7 – What do I do with High-Risk Parts?

Through the end of deer season, we will be posting a frequently asked question (FAQ) and answer related to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Pennsylvania in an album on our Facebook page.

We know many of you – hunters, non-hunters, processors, taxidermists and more – have questions about CWD and the effects this disease can cause. We are here as a resource and want to help everyone understand the complexities and details related to CWD in our state.

If you have a specific question related to CWD, email pgccomments@pa.gov.

Here’s the question for week seven:

Answer:

Within the state, it is unlawful to export high-risk cervid parts from disease management areas or to import high-risk parts from CWD positive states.

Prohibited parts include the head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and lymph nodes), spinal cord/backbone, spleen, skull plate with attached antlers if visible brain or spinal cord material is present, cape if visible brain or spinal cord material is present, upper canine teeth if root structure or other soft material is present, any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord material, and brain-tanned hides.

Once these high-risk parts are removed, meat on or off the bone, cleaned capes, cleaned skull caps with antlers, and finished taxidermy mounts may be transported throughout Pennsylvania. The high-risk parts must remain within those states, provinces and DMAs where the animal was harvested.

Click here for more information about CWD.

As a reminder, if you have a specific question related to CWD email it to pgccomments@pa.gov.