WDFW Beginning to Look at Hoof Rot Rules

[bigtex]

On March 19th WDFW submitted a proposal to the code revisor to essentially look at the possible regulation of elk taken in SW WA and their relation to hoof rot. This is essentially the first step in creating new rules. There has yet to be any actual legal rules drafted, nor has a public comment period been opened yet. Basically at this point the WDFW simply has an "idea."

Subject of possible rule making: The department is considering amending recreational hunting rules for southwest Washington.

Reasons why rules on this subject may be needed and what they might accomplish: The department is considering rule changes to require successful elk hunters in southwest Washington to leave hooves of harvested elk on site in the field to minimize the potential spread of hoof disease.

I cannot stress enough that WDFW is in the early stages of this rule, a potential legal rule hasn't even been drafted yet.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/2014/wsr_14-07-112.pdf

[pianoman9701]

Thanks BT. It's good to have this for the meeting next week.

[headshot5]

All of this is conjecture/thinking on my part.

One thing I have found interesting is that the (supposed bacteria), dies with the animal, and that is why they can't get anywhere with their study...  However, the bacteria can live up to 3 weeks to a month in the soil.  Seems like they could take soil samples where infected elk are hanging out and find the bacteria and probably still alive...   

And yet hunters are being told not to keep the feet/hooves, so is the bacteria really dead when the animal dies?     

[ELKBURGER]

This idea was mentioned at the meeting in Kelso a couple weeks back.