Hunters face fines for illegal game meat imports

OLYMPIA — As hunting seasons commence across the U.S. and Canada, Washington state officials are reminding hunters of strict regulations concerning the importation of game meat to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Fish and Wildlife Police emphasize that import rules, effective since July 2022, apply to "all states and countries outside Washington" — not just those with confirmed CWD cases. The regulations also affect in-state hunters moving deer, elk, or moose from specific Game Management Units within Washington.

Under Washington Administrative Code 220-413-030, hunters must debone meat from deer, elk, moose, or caribou harvested outside the state, removing all soft tissue from skulls, antlers, and hides before importation.

Items permitted for transport into Washington include deboned meat, cleaned skulls and antlers, hides without heads, tissue for diagnostic or research use, and finished taxidermy mounts.

WDFW Police have been active in enforcing these regulations. Deputy Chief Paul Golden stated, "Our officers have already seized several animals this season that otherwise could have been lawfully imported to prevent further risk to our state. We do not want to seize any more."

Violations can result in meat confiscation and fines up to $5,000, classified as a gross misdemeanor under state law.

The urgency of these measures has intensified following the confirmation of CWD in Spokane County earlier this year. CWD, a fatal neurological disease affecting cervids, has been documented in 34 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.

To further combat CWD spread, officials urge the public to avoid wildlife feeding — now banned in certain Game Management Units — and to report sick or dead cervids to WDFW.

For more information on CWD regulations and testing procedures for harvested animals, hunters are directed to visit the WDFW website.