Dear Guy's

If we were to take an Elk. We have the issue of meat.

As we are unable to take it back to Aussie, the question lies what can we do with it?

Is it able to be sold, given away?

There is 4 of us going so there could be a bit if we all get lucky.

Thanks Mark

To my knowledge, game meat from free ranging animals such as elk can not be sold anywhere in the USA. Now, in places where elk are considered livestock and not game, this may be legal.

That being said, most of the western states allow meat to be given or donated. For instance, in Colorado where I'm from, you can fill out what is called a donor certificate and give the carcass to someone. But, there is a catch. If it hasn't been processed, that person also has to have a license for the same species and sex in order to take the carcass. But if it has been processed (cut and wrapped) then no such rule exists.

Remember, that is Colorado and not Utah. So you would have to find out what the law in Utah reads. Most states have really good websites for their game depts these days so it shouldn't be too hard to find.

And, often there is something like Hunters for the Hungry in which you can pay to have the entire carcass ground into burger and then donate it. This is really common in the South where deer limits are extrememly liberal. Don't know off the top of my head if it is common or easy in Utah though.

You must be careful with the meat. Utah has some very specific laws on how you can give the meat to others. It requires specifically worded documents to be signed by the donor.

This guy processes tons of game meat each year. I bet he can answer any question you have.

Clay Meiers Game Processing

12835 MINUTEMAN DR

Draper, Utah 84020

USA

Phone: (801) 572-5039

Hunters Feeding the Hungry is an option. They take donated meat and distribute it to the needy.

Utah Coordinator:
Kelly Bingham
801-726-2598 - Cell

A list of participating butchers in Utah is below:

http://www.fhfh.org/Butchers.asp?StateLookup=UT

Clay Meier's Game Processing is on the list so you can probably just call them!

Dear Guy's

Thanks for the great information.

Regards Mark

Kelly Bingham is your man as listed above. He and his group do a great job getting donated meat processed and distributed to the needy.

You can't sell elk meat taken on a hunting license. It generally isn't too hard to donate it to friends, guides, etc.

Bill

In BC Canada I was able to donate the mule deer and black bear carcasses to the guide. I just had to write that down on the hunt return form and get the guide to sign it. I wonder if something similar is possible in the US.

Make sure you strip the tenderloins to make a camp dinner!!!!

On a guided hunt with an outfitter, many if not most of the clients do not have a way to get the meat home. The outfitter generally will have arrangements to put the meat to use...either a list of folks wanting game meat, an arrangement with Hunters for the Hungry, local soup kitchens, etc. Ask them before the hunt.