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CWD rules in New York

New York restricts which deer and elk carcass parts you can bring in from out of state. You may generally import only lower-risk parts; high-risk parts are prohibited.

CWD zone status

CWD confirmed

Agency

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Last verified

June 16, 2026

CWDCrossing provides informational summaries of state CWD carcass-transport regulations. Rules change annually pre-hunting-season; verify with both the origin and destination state wildlife agencies before transport. Failure to comply may result in citations. Not affiliated with the CWD Alliance, the National Deer Association, or any state agency.

Bringing a carcass into New York

New York is the regulating authority for what you can bring in. The ban applies to imports from anywhere outside New York regardless of CWD status. CWD was detected in New York in 2005 and eradicated through culling; a captive facility tested positive in 2024.

Allowed for import

  • Deboned meat
  • Cleaned skull cap
  • Antlers with no flesh adhering
  • Raw or processed cape or hide
  • Cleaned teeth or lower jaw
  • Finished taxidermy products

Restricted from import

  • Whole carcass of deer, elk, moose, or caribou
  • Intact head
  • Brain
  • Spinal cord / spinal column

Handling + processing

Transit through New York is allowed provided no parts are disposed of or remain in the state. Illegally imported parts are confiscated and destroyed.

Taking a carcass out of New York

When you hunt in New York and bring the carcass to another state, that destination state sets the rule. Because New York has confirmed CWD detections, several destination states apply their stricter "from a CWD-affected state" rule to carcasses originating here — plan to bring back lower-risk parts only.

New York on the CWD map

  • CWD confirmed in state
  • Under heightened surveillance
  • No known CWD detections

Zone status is informational, not a hazard rating. Detections expand over time — confirm current status with each state's wildlife agency.

Verified against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on June 16, 2026Expert review in progress(state-DNR contact / wildlife biologist / hunting-org compliance officer)

CWDCrossing provides informational summaries of state CWD carcass-transport regulations. Rules change annually pre-hunting-season; verify with both the origin and destination state wildlife agencies before transport. Failure to comply may result in citations. Not affiliated with the CWD Alliance, the National Deer Association, or any state agency.