Delta Applauds USDA APHIS for Reversal of Regs on Hunters Importing Waterfowl from Canada

BISMARCK, ND — After consideration of letters presenting the concerns of U.S. hunters from Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited and other conservation partners, the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced today new provisions allowing import of hunter-harvested wild game birds from Canada into the United States. These new provisions amend the APHIS declaration of 10 days ago that functionally shut down all import of birds from all Canadian provinces.

“This is great news for American waterfowl hunters already in Canada and for those with plans to hunt there this season,” said Delta’s chief policy officer John Devney. “As The Duck Hunters Organization, we sincerely thank APHIS for reconsidering the restrictions and for doing it so quickly. It definitely puts optimism back into the hearts of hunters looking forward to hunting ducks and geese in Canada this fall following what promises to have been an outstanding summer of duck production!”

The USDA announcement says that, beginning immediately, APHIS will allow the import of hunter-harvested wild game bird carcasses, originating from or transiting through Canada, meeting the following conditions:

• Viscera, head, neck, feet, skin, and one wing have been removed; and
• Feathers have been removed, with the exception of one wing – as required by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for species identification; and
• Carcasses must be rinsed in fresh, clean, potable water prior to packaging and must not have visible evidence of contamination with dirt, blood, or feces; and
• Carcasses must be imported in leak-proof plastic packaging and stored in a leak proof cooler or container during transport and import; and
• Carcasses must be chilled or frozen during transport and import.

APHIS further recommends that boots and any equipment used to process the carcasses should be clean and visibly free from dirt, blood, tissue and feces.

However, it’s important to note, cooked or cured meat and meat products (for example, sausage, jerky, etc.) WILL NOT be allowed for import because USFWS regulations cannot be met to identify the species.

Devney added, “This much-appreciated reversal from APHIS in no way downplays the serious issues of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Law-abiding, ethical hunters will follow these restrictions carefully and completely and properly present our birds for proper inspection at the border.”

You can read the full statement from USDA APHIS regarding hunter harvested wild game bird meat from Canada posted at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2022/canada-wild-bird-game-carcasses