GLIN==> Hunters Reminded of Rules for Bringing Deer or Elk into Michigan

["List Manager" <adminpst@great-lakes.net>]

Submitted by Ann Wilson <wilsoann@michigan.gov>

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:

Lt. Thomas Courchaine

906-875-6622

Mary Dettloff

517-335-3014

Hunters Reminded of Rules for Bringing Deer or Elk into Michigan

Hunters who may be bringing deer or elk into Michigan from other states and 
Canada are reminded that strict rules apply to the transport of this type of 
game across state and international boundaries, according to officials with 
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

As part of the ongoing effort to prevent the spread of certain diseases 
endemic to deer and elk, the DNR has enacted laws which restrict how deer 
and elk carcasses can be moved into Michigan from various states, including 
Wisconsin, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, 
Utah, Wyoming and Saskatchewan. Hunters transporting game from those areas 
for processing, taxidermy or consumption are restricted to bringing only 
deboned meat, antlers, antlers attached to a skull cap cleaned of all brain 
and muscle tissue, hides cleaned of excess tissue or blood, upper canine 
teeth or a finished taxidermist mount into Michigan.

"The concern for the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which has been 
found in those states and provinces into Michigan, has been the impetus for 
the enactment of these new rules," said Lt. Thomas Courchaine, Western U.P. 
district law supervisor in Crystal Falls.

CWD is a disease of the nervous system that was first diagnosed in deer and 
elk at a research facility in Colorado in 1967. Since then, it has been 
discovered in deer and elk in several states and Canada. CWD is 
characterized by emaciation, drooling, behavioral abnormalities and death of 
the affected animals. Currently, no reliable live animal testing is 
available for diagnosing CWD, nor is there a treatment available. CWD poses 
a serious threat to the overall health of Michigan's deer and elk 
populations. Michigan has taken several steps to prevent it from getting 
into the state, including the regulations restricting the importation of 
deer and elk.

"We are especially interested in making sure that hunters traveling across 
the

Michigan/Wisconsin border are fully aware that the transportation of deer 
and elk carcasses is highly restricted," said Courchaine. "That includes 
bringing a deer carcass into Michigan for meat processing or taxidermy."

In addition, a person notified by mail or other means that a carcass part 
imported into Michigan tested positive for CWD must report that information 
within two (2) days to the DNR Wildlife Research Lab at 517-336-5030.

Although there is no evidence that CWD affects humans, the DNR advises 
hunters who have deer originating from states or provinces where CWD has 
been found take safety precautions by minimizing the handling of brain or 
spinal cord tissues and fluids, and avoid consuming brain, spinal cord, 
eyes, spleen and lymph nodes of harvested animals.

For more information, contact the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab or visit 
www.michigan.gov/chronicwastingdisease. Hunters may check their deer or 
elk's CWD and TB lab results at this Web site or at www.michigan.gov/dnr 
<http://www.michigan.gov/dnr>.

Those who witness a violation of these or any laws pertaining to the natural 
resources of Michigan are urged to contact the DNR's Report-All-Poaching 
hotline at 1-800-292-7800

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and 
enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future 
generations.

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