Hoof Rot question

[copasj]

I'm new to elk, this will be my second year, and have run across references to this and that it can/does taint the meat.  I had intended to go down to the fall river unit this year but it sounds like it's all over the place down there and most of SW WA.  My question is if there are areas that are not affected?  Olympic Peninsula maybe?  I already have a west side tag so east side is not an option this year.

[AKBowman]

I have not heard of it North of Fall River, but yes Fall River, Willapa Hills, Bear River, Ryderwood well pretty much yes all the SW WA units have hoof rot in areas. If it is really bad than yes it can taint the meat. I have heard of guys turning in their elk to WDFW and getting a new tag b/c the meat was so rotten I have also heard of guys that tried and were denied new tags. I havent heard of the hoof rot in any of the olympic units.

[dreamunelk]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/pub.php?id=01124

Here is a link.  Doesn't taint the meet if you handle correctly.  Unless there is a secondary issue.  Example would be severe infection.

Darn spell wreck!

[bobcat]

My dad's elk out of the Winston Creek unit in August had hoof rot, but not real bad. It was only on one hoof. About half of the hoof was missing. I've seen pictures where they've had it a lot worse. The meat on his elk was fine.

[copasj]

How would one "handle it correctly" to prevent spoiling meat?  Just cut the leg off at the knee before starting to dress the animal?

We are only after meat, and we have 2 small kids.  After finding out about it, I am seriously considering heading to the peninsula instead of down south.  Even if it does mean adding an extra 2 hours to the drive.  Or am I just being paranoid?

[dreamunelk]

Handle it like you would any other elk.  Don't drive around to show everyone the hoof.  Gut it, skin it, cool it, process it.  i seen a guy drive around for most of a warm day with his elk and then hung it with out skiing to show the fiends he couldn't find.  then complained it did not taste right. One I seen it, it was already starting to stink.