The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has passed new regulation that applies to indigenous Texas deer (white-tailed & mule deer). According to the new regulation,
Hunters--
May process (debone) deer at the site of harvest and bury it 3-feet deep below the surface.
Must maintain proof of sex and tags until arrival at home or final destination.
Must transport the meat in whole muscle groups (i.e. not chopped, sliced or ground).
Must transport the meat in a separate bag, package or container until arrival at home or final destination.
May dispose of inedible parts in a commercial trash service, an approved landfill, or bury it 3 or more feet below the surface/ground.
When transporting meat to a commercial processor, it’s the processor’s responsibility to properly dispose of the unused parts of the deer.
Precautions for Hunters. The infected parts of the deer are the brain, spinal cord, eyes, lymph nodes and spleen. It spreads in saliva, urine, blood, soft-antler material, feces, and from decomposing infected animals.
Therefore, never eat--
Meat from an animal that appears sickly.
Brain, eyeballs, spinal cord, spleen, or lymph nodes from CWD-susceptible species.
As mentioned in the article, most hunters have already been adhering to these procedures but there is some new mandates (burying below the surface) and procedures (disposal in an approved landfill, transporting meat in muscle groups) that are good to know. Visit TPWD's website (below) for more information.
To the Hunt!!!
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, June 13, 2024
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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