If you’re hunting out of state this year, remember that regulations prohibit the importation into New Hampshire of hunter-killed deer, elk and moose carcasses or parts of carcasses from the 16 states and provinces where Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been found, except for de-boned meat, antlers, antlers attached to skull caps with all soft tissue removed, upper canine teeth with all soft tissue removed, hides or capes with no part of the head attached and finished taxidermy mounts.

CWD is a brain disease that is fatal to deer, elk and moose, and it continues to be a concern for deer hunters and wildlife professionals in New Hampshire. Annual monitoring efforts from 2002 through 2006 have not detected CWD in any New England state. CWD-positive deer have been found as far east as New York and West Virginia.

Prevention of CWD in New Hampshire remains a top priority. For a Q&A on CWD-related efforts and guidelines in New Hampshire, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/CWD_QandA.htm.