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Deer carcass importation rules protect against CWD

Deer carcass importation rules protect against CWD

By Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Currently, Florida is one of 24 states where chronic wasting disease has not been detected. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises hunters to know the requirements for importing harvested deer, elk, moose, caribou and other members of the deer family to protect Florida deer populations.

With big game seasons opening in neighboring states and across the country, those who hunt outside of Florida are reminded that carcasses and carcass parts of deer, elk, moose, caribou and all other members of the deer family may not be imported into Florida from anywhere.

Hunters may import into Florida de-boned meat, finished taxidermy mounts, antlers and hides, skulls, skull caps, and teeth if all soft tissue has been removed. White-tailed deer legally harvested in Georgia or Alabama may be imported into Florida, provided the person possesses an FWC Georgia/Alabama Carcass Importation Permit.

The permit must be acquired prior to the carcass being imported into Florida. The FWC/Georgia/Alabama Carcass Importation Permit is available the FWC website.

Hunters must dispose of any remains using FWC-approved deer carcass disposal options. Click here to find those options.

White-tailed deer legally harvested from Georgia or Alabama properties bisected by the Florida state line and under the same ownership are exempt from importation permit, reporting and disposal requirements. If CWD is detected in Georgia or Alabama, importing a white-tailed deer carcass and carcass parts from that state would be prohibited.

Learn more about the special requirements for importing deer carcasses and carcass parts outlined in executive order by visiting MyFWC.com.

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