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RAC backs DWR changes to big-game rule on reporting deadlines, weapons and CWD-related import restrictions
Summary
The RAC accepted proposed amendments to the "taking big game" rule that shorten some mandatory harvest-report deadlines, clarify restricted-rifle language and relax import restrictions on antlered skulls from states with chronic wasting disease (CWD).
The Northeastern Regional Advisory Council voted to accept proposed amendments to the state “taking big game” rule (R657-5) as presented by Division wildlife staff. The package included four changes: a shortened mandatory harvest-report deadline for the latest hunts, removal of an area-wide hunting prohibition around the town of Alton in favor of targeted management access, a wording change to allow restricted-rifle permit holders to hunt all seasons on units where they hold a restricted rifle, and a change to CWD-related import restrictions to permit antlered skulls without spinal columns but permit some head/brain material for European-style mounts.
Division staff described the rationale: shortening the reporting deadline gives biologists more time to process data in advance of recommendations; the Alton change is intended to allow management hunting where fences and landowner cooperation can reduce deer impacts to town hay fields; the weapon-language change aligns restricted-rifle wording with existing practice; and the import rule change responds to frequent interstate transport of antlered skulls for euro-mounting while preserving the prohibition on spinal columns and limiting higher-risk tissues.
A RAC member raised a public-safety and disease-prevention question about whether skulls must have skin removed; the division replied that the greatest CWD risk is spinal column and brain tissue, and that the rule would continue to prohibit entry of spinal columns. DWR staff said the division plans additional education and outreach to encourage proper removal and disposal of high-risk tissues.
The RAC motion to accept the rule changes was put and carried unanimously.
Direct quote from DWR staff: “We don't want any spinal column attached, but if it has brain in it, you're bringing it back to, you know, do a European mount...we feel like maybe that's a reasonable compromise,” (Dax, Division staff).
The DWR said it will also follow up with wildlife veterinarians and enforcement to clarify what is allowed and to expand public education about safe handling and disposal of high-risk parts from CWD-endemic areas.
The RAC’s acceptance will be recorded in the board briefing materials; final adoption of rule text is subject to the wildlife board process and any required state rulemaking steps.
