Official - Leave the Hooves in the Woods/Wildlife Commission

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Leave the hooves in the woods? They think this is the solution to hoof rot? Elk migrate and they'll spread it themselves if it's caused by a virus or organism. But if it's caused by the chemicals sprayed by logging companies this does nothing.

Anybody remember the story about the cattle in eastern Washington that were losing their hooves because of a chemical they were being treated with?

The bacteria which cause hoof disease (whether Leptospira or treponeme) are communicable and found commonly in wet environments like western WA. Leptospira is also a zoonoses, meaning it is communicable from animal to humans. The theory that some have is that the herbicides cause an immune deficiency in the elk which makes them susceptible to these bacteria. So, in response to your observation, un-affected elk could pick up the disease from affected elk. But, the herds in those areas a quite heavily affected. What they're trying to do by having hunters leave the hooves where they kill the animal, if I get this correctly, is keep the disease from spreading to new populations. It was pointed out by Bearpaw that it would be even better to bury the hooves. This seems to address your concern about healthy migrating elk coming in contact with the affected elk's hooves. I would bury mine if I were hunting around affected elk. I don't intend to, however.

OK then, why limit it to elk hooves? Why not deer hooves taken in the same area? In fact how about making hunters leave their boots in the area. They are just as likely to get the bacteria on their boots while hunting as the animals that live there. Same with the loggers who work the area. They are all over on the ground there. Also could be picked up on vehicle tires.

I appreciate the thought, but I believe this is a wasted effort. Its one of those "feel good" rules that makes it look like you're doing something, but really you are accomplishing nothing.

[pianoman9701]

You're not the only one thinking it's a wasted effort. Some would suggest they're dealing with the symptoms and not the real cause.

[jongosch]

OK then, why limit it to elk hooves? Why not deer hooves taken in the same area? In fact how about making hunters leave their boots in the area. They are just as likely to get the bacteria on their boots while hunting as the animals that live there. Same with the loggers who work the area. They are all over on the ground there. Also could be picked up on vehicle tires.

I appreciate the thought, but I believe this is a wasted effort. Its one of those "feel good" rules that makes it look like you're doing something, but really you are accomplishing nothing.

 

[bobcat]

I agree that it won't do anything to control the spread of hoof rot. It seems to me they are doing this just to make it appear as if they're doing something. But, having said that, I also can't fault them for this new rule. What can it hurt? Most people probably leave the lower legs in the field anyway.

[idahohuntr]

I am unsure on the hoof rule as well...two reasons it might be better to do the opposite and require hunters to haul the hooves out of the woods:

1. Give them to wdfw to do more evaluations/data collection
2. Won't leaving them in the woods mean scavengers will come in and drag them all over the place?

I believe the intent is containment of an infectious disease, just not sure this rule achieves that. 

[workstohunt]

This all started when they quit allowing the timber companies to slash burn

[Sitka_Blacktail]

This all started when they quit allowing the timber companies to slash burn

You might have something there. Plus burning fertilizes the soil and kills off pests such as beetles. I loved hunting the old burned units.

[bigtex]

Leave the hooves in the woods? They think this is the solution to hoof rot? Elk migrate and they'll spread it themselves if it's caused by a virus or organism. But if it's caused by the chemicals sprayed by logging companies this does nothing.

Anybody remember the story about the cattle in eastern Washington that were losing their hooves because of a chemical they were being treated with?

The bacteria which cause hoof disease (whether Leptospira or treponeme) are communicable and found commonly in wet environments like western WA. Leptospira is also a zoonoses, meaning it is communicable from animal to humans. The theory that some have is that the herbicides cause an immune deficiency in the elk which makes them susceptible to these bacteria. So, in response to your observation, un-affected elk could pick up the disease from affected elk. But, the herds in those areas a quite heavily affected. What they're trying to do by having hunters leave the hooves where they kill the animal, if I get this correctly, is keep the disease from spreading to new populations. It was pointed out by Bearpaw that it would be even better to bury the hooves. This seems to address your concern about healthy migrating elk coming in contact with the affected elk's hooves. I would bury mine if I were hunting around affected elk. I don't intend to, however.

OK then, why limit it to elk hooves? Why not deer hooves taken in the same area? In fact how about making hunters leave their boots in the area.

It sounds silly, but at least one state (I believe Alaska) outruled the use of felt bottom boots/waders in some areas to prevent the spread of noxious/invasive species. With WDFW being so big on Aquatic Invasive Species right now, it may be a regulation we see in WA some day.