Evidence of sex and species

Evidence of sex and species

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
How to preserve evidence of sex and species on a big game animal

Hunters are required to retain evidence of sex on ALL harvested big game animals

Failure to leave evidence of sex and species naturally attached to a big game animal, remains one of the most common violations detected at Fish and Game check stations, so in order to help hunters, Fish and Game staff have created a helpful video below that is especially important for those hunting within a CWD Management Zone, which is currently Units 14-15. 

Determining if the evidence of sex requirement has been met is one of the first tasks completed by Fish and Game staff when you pull into the check station with your animal.

So if you are fortunate enough to fill your tag this season, do two things immediately upon downing the animal. First, correctly validate your tag and attach it to your animal, then determine how you plan to leave evidence of sex and species attached.

In the following video, Clearwater Regional Conservation Officer, George Fischer demonstrates how to leave sex organs (nipple or testicle) and evidence of species (skinned tail-to comply with CWD regulations) naturally attached to the hind quarter. Idaho Fish and Game regulations requires evidence of sex and species to be left naturally attached until the carcass is delivered to a meat processor or it reaches the final place of storage for consumption.

In the case of mountain lions and black bears, external sex organs must be left naturally attached to the hide until it has been checked by a Fish and Game Officer or an individual approved by the Department of Fish and Game to check the animal.

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