OLYMPIA — Starting Saturday, it will be illegal to feed deer, elk, or moose anywhere in Washington. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the new rule as part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).
The new rule bans both intentional feeding and using bait to attract these animals during hunting. It also applies to feed placed for other wildlife if it causes deer, elk, or moose to gather in one place.
WDFW Director Kelly Susewind approved the change along with several other new rules in March. These include:
- Limits on transporting harvested deer, elk, and moose within the state.
- A ban on importing meat or other parts from these animals into Washington, unless certain conditions are met.
- A ban on using scent lures made from deer or elk urine or gland materials.
- Mandatory testing for CWD in any harvested or salvaged deer, elk, or moose in areas where the disease has been found.
CWD is a neurological disease that affects members of the deer family. It spreads through prions—abnormal proteins that can be present in saliva, urine, feces, and tissues. So far, CWD has only been found in Eastern Washington. However, the new rules apply statewide to prevent it from spreading to new areas.
WDFW is also reviewing its own wildlife feeding programs, especially in places where elk are fed to prevent damage to crops.