11/10/2020
INFO ALERT FOR ALL HUNTERS !!!!
Hey guy's, it's that time of year again and hunting season is now underway in several states. I find it alarming at the number of phone calls I have received over the past few weeks from clients that are totally confused and/or mislead with the new CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) guidelines imposed by the FWC (The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission).
Last Fall the FWC sent out an email implementing a new law just weeks before the deer season that left many of our local Hunters, Taxidermist, Deer Processors & Wildlife officers totally confused as to how to actually be compliant with the newly introduced law.
In early February of 2020 the FWC launched an investigation that would encompass nearly all of our local taxidermist in search of data received from our clients upon trophy drop-off at our shops. Upon completion of the FWCs investigation it was determined that only about 15% of the hunters were compliant with the new law. As far as I know the FWC did not issue any fines to hunters nor taxidermists but instead issued an abundance of written warnings ( In which I received 7) prepping us for this years enforcement.
Please note:
#1 YES, YES, YES you CAN legally import the ENTIRE deer harvested in Alabama or Georgia back into Florida. The only requirement is ( The New Law) you MUST log into the FWCs website and obtain the FREE import permit and obtain your conformation # within 24 hours of importing your deer.
Many people had issues trying to find this permit last year so they simply gave up. My wife and I have provided a short video to help walk you through this process.
#2 YES,YES,YES you CAN import your deer from all other states WITHOUT an import permit. However, the deer head MUST be totally caped ( skinned off the head) and antlers cut off with soft tissue & brain matter removed. This is a necessary step to help slow down the spread of CWD.
OPTIONS FOR RETURNING HOME WITH YOUR DEER FROM ANY STATE OTHER THAN ALABAMA OR GEORGIA :
#1 Find a local taxidermist that would be willing to cape your deer for about $50
#2 WHICH I RECOMMEND Cape out your own deer by using my video for step by step procedure. As a seasoned taxidermist, I can cape a deer in less than 4 minutes. Most people not familiar with this process should be able to cape a deer in about 30 minutes. Keep in mind, a reputable taxidermist can fix nearly any mistake made in the caping process so don't be afraid to go for it.... just pause the video and complete each step.
https://www.facebook.com/chad.cooper.925602/videos/10152829303973274/
I hope you find this info to be informative & helpful in staying compliant with the Florida Game Laws.
Please contact me with any questions regarding this matter and Good luck with your hunting season!
Thank you,
Chad Cooper
Cooper's Taxidermy Inc.
Shop Line #1 850-675-6963
Shop Line #2 850-675-6962
Cell # 850-261-2381
email: [email protected]