No finders keepers of elk carcasses: new rule proposed by Wildlife Commission

“If you find a dead elk on the side of the road, call us as soon as possible,” said Justin McVey, regional wildlife biologist for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

The proposed rule requires authorization from the Wildlife Commission to possess or transport elk that are killed accidentally or found dead. One of the main reasons is so wildlife officers can test the elk for possible disease — all the more important with the arrival of chronic wasting disease in North Carolina, McVey said.

Chronic wasting disease is fatal to deer, elk and moose. The communicable disease has been gradually spreading across the country, finally making its way into North Carolina a little over a year ago.

McVey estimates the elk population at around 250, a healthy herd size but fragile enough that chronic wasting disease is a concern.

There are only three known cases so far — all in deer — in Yadkin and Surry counties. Testing is critical to monitor the potential spread of chronic wasting disease, but it’s only possible to test dead animals.

Thus, the Wildlife Commission doesn’t want to miss out on a chance to test a deceased elk. In 2022, the Wildlife Commission were able to test seven elk, and all were negative, McVey said.

McVey added that it is “dangerous” to move one of the elk without proper equipment, especially in the roadways. Moving a 500 to 700 pound elk is no small feat, requiring wildlife officers to use a truck winch to hoist it onto a trailer.

While snagging an elk carcass for its meat may seem appealing, there’s also a risk the meat could be contaminated with tranquilizer.

“We anesthetize the elk from time to time for different reasons — for tracking collars, testing for diseases — and that poses a human safety risk,” McVey said.

Once wildlife officers have worked up the dead elk — checking for microchips, making sure it has no anesthesia and testing for disease — the elk is then donated if the meat is still good.

“In a vehicle-caused mortality, we do try and donate that meat,” said McVey.

The elk is given to the group Hunters for the Hungry to harvest. The non-profit combats hunger and malnutrition by resourcing overpopulated deer in the state.

If you discover a dead or injured elk, call 866-318-2401.

The elk carcass proposal is part of a larger review of hunting, fishing and trapping regulations carried out by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission every year. The Wildlife Commission is accepting public comments on the proposed rule changes through Jan. 30.

After collecting and considering all public comments, the board of wildlife commissioners will discuss and vote on proposed changes at their February business meeting. If the proposals are approved, they will take effect August 1.

To submit a comment, email regulations@ncwildlife.org, go to ncwildlife.org/proposed-regulations or mail them to 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1701.