Pay Attention to These Tips for Handling and Transporting Game

The excitement you feel when your guided group has had a successful hunt or fishing day makes all the planning and preparation worth it. The joy in their faces, the adrenaline shared and the trophy of taking home their game is why you’re so passionate about your outfitter’s business. Once all the hard work is over, it’s time to secure the hunter’s winning game and safely transport it back to their home.

Following The Rules & Regulations

The most important thing you can do to ensure your game will not be confiscated while transporting is research. Each state has its regulations and different processes for shipping and transporting game. Obtaining the correct permit may also be a requirement per state. One of the most important laws which all states follow is the Lacey Act—making it a Federal Offense to trade wildlife, that has been taken in violation of other federal, state, or foreign laws.

Pay attention to the fine details when processing your game. Some states will need you to identify the sex of the animal, the species and require the game to be shipped in twos. Others only want to know how many birds you have and require that you provide a ledger indicating the date and quantity of birds harvested. Many times, a feathered wing needs to be attached and game birds are not allowed to be bulk-frozen or packaged. There are exceptions to this rule, so stay up to date on regulations for your state.

Possession Limits Per State

Most states will impose daily limits and possession limits. Daily limits refer to the legal number of a particular game animal that an individual can take out of the field in each day. When taking large groups out, it can be difficult to keep track of who has killed what and how many. It’s wise for your guides to maintain a running count during the day’s hunt to ensure the cumulative daily limit is not surpassed. You don’t want your group to exceed the number by accident. A quick ledger system or record-keeping count can make all the difference when running into the game warden. 

Big Game Has Unique Laws

Unlike fowl or fish, big game has a more involved process. Each separated member or piece may need to be tagged while in possession before being transported and processed. Depending on the game, your guides will need to know how to properly field dress and quarter prior to transporting for processing and to comply with any game check stations. Often, guests will want to mount their big game trophy, therefore your guides must know to properly prepare and preserve the animal’s body for shipping to a taxidermist of the hunter’s choice.  

Spreading disease is another big safety concern when transporting harvested game from the field. Chronic Wasting Disease is a threat to big game. Many states require containment to help aid in spreading diseases. 

Shipping Out Game

If your operation oversees shipping and handling game, try to ship overnight, or provide your guests with durable coolers to carry home with them. The most important part is to keep everything as cold as possible to prevent spoiling. To extend the coolers’ temperature life during shipping, prepare the coolers ahead of time with loose ice or keep coolers outdoors in cold climates. Packing a tightly sealed, insulated cooler with dry ice for your customer to travel with is key. The average limit for dry ice on most airlines is 5 pounds. Dry ice must be labeled Carbon Dioxide Solid with the net weight on the packaging. 

In several states, all persons must accompany their own game during transportation. However, a transportation permit can be obtained, and a second party can transport the animal in a specified vehicle to a specified location.

If your operation is not in possession of the meat while in transport, you can fill out a proxy statement. These documents state that you are giving someone else permission to handle your game. You can find proxy forms online or in regulation booklets.

Fins & Feather Insurance Protection

One of the best parts of hunting and fishing is bringing your harvest home—don’t let your hard work be spoiled. The  Fins and Feathers insurance program  is a great fit for independent guides along with the outfitters who employ them. Available nationwide and with affordable premiums, you can start adventuring more and worrying less with CBIZ Adventure Sports.  Request a free quote today.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. In an actual claim situation, coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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