Statewide Carcass Disposal Restrictions
Proper disposal of carcass parts from white-tailed deer and mule deer is an important management action for reducing the risk of unintentional transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) to susceptible wildlife from CWD-positive areas to areas where the disease is not yet known to exist.
The preferred method is to leave unused carcass parts at the property of harvest, as this greatly reduces the chance of spreading CWD to other parts of the state. Hunters are allowed to debone a carcass at the property of harvest, provided that:
- Meat is processed no further than whole muscles and may not be ground, chopped, or sliced.
- Meat from multiple deer must remain in separate bags or containers while transported.
- Proof of sex and tagging requirements remain with the meat until reaching a final destination.
Carcass disposal requirements will apply if the carcass is transported away from the property of harvest and unused parts must be:
- Disposed of in a commercial trash service, or
- Returned to the property where the animal was harvested, or
- Buried at least three feet below the ground and covered with at least three feet of earthen material.
Harvested deer or deer heads may be taken to a commercial processor or taxidermist and the processor or taxidermist must properly dispose of unused parts.
Download the carcass disposal flyer. (PDF)
What species does this regulation apply to?
Carcass disposal requirements only apply to Texas’ native deer: white-tailed deer and mule deer. Exotic deer species such as elk, red deer and sika are susceptible to CWD, though, so although not required, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends practicing these same carcass disposal measures for exotic deer species as well.
What are considered “unused carcass parts?”
These are the parts of the deer not retained for cooking or taxidermy purposes.
How should I transport deboned meat from multiple carcasses?
Deboned meat from multiple deer must remain in separate bags or containers until reaching its final destination. Meat from multiple carcasses can be transported in the same cooler, provided that meat from each deer is kept within bags or containers separate from other deer.
Can I still quarter deer?
Absolutely. Quarters (two front quarters, two hind quarters, backstraps, and trimmings) can still be transported away from the property of harvest, but any unused parts should remain at the property of harvest or must be disposed of properly.
If I harvest a deer in a CWD zone, can I take the whole carcass or any part of the carcass out of the CWD zone?
As long as the carcass disposal requirements listed above are followed, a deer carcass may be transported.
I am taking the deer to a processor or taxidermist. Does this apply to me?
Harvested deer or deer heads may be taken to a commercial processor or taxidermist and the processor or taxidermist must properly dispose of unused parts.