Legally taking heads across state lines

[OregonJim]

Pretty basic question here,

Unfortunately I've never had to worry much about crossing state lines before Taxi work on trophies.
Those I do have are all in-state animals.

Unless my 2014 tags produce something above my bar for European mount I will need to travel WY to CO then back to WY and after the hunt, back to OR via UT & NV (and a super short leg through that state to the south).

After all that travel, the budget doesn't support taxi work unless something abnormally impressive comes from the hunts.

I'm taking my propane crab boiler/turkey stove and a huge pot for boiling the skulls.

Any pointers for speeding up the process ? Can anyone shed any light on legal requirements for certifying the skull plates/heads?
I know Oregon will place a seal on certain items to keep CA off your back.

Thanks

 

[Musket Man]

Aslong as you have a valid tag I wouldnt worry about it.

 

[Againstthewind]

http://wgfd.wyo.gov/wtest/hunting-1001091.aspx#sect30

I think that in Wyoming the hunter and the tag has to stay with the edible portions. The hide, trophy part you can ship with an interstate game tag. I assume that satisfies requirements for the states you pass through, but that CA has its own particular set of rules for everything it seems like. The crab pot seems like a good idea. I am not sure that was any help, sorry.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/hunting/2013/10/diy-taxidermy-how-make-classy-european-mount-1-day

 

[libidilatimmy]

In-state I know that the carcass coupon (tag) stays with the edible portion of the animal while the rest of the license goes with the head, etc. Part of the taxi charge is an interstate game tag when you pay, which you can also buy from a local game warden and would satisfy the requirement of any state you'll pass through to save any potential trouble.

 

[OregonJim]

I'm sorry guys, I should have been a little more specific as to what I was looking for.

I'm worried more about transport for CWD purposes.
Just want to make sure I am meeting the letter of the law in regard to getting rid of all brain and tissue from the skull.
Will a good boil get the job done adequately?

If anyone has any tips or tricks i'd appreciate it.
I've done a couple of bears and it took a little effort to do it right.

 

[AT Hiker]

Just be very careful "boiling" the heads. Its actually best to simmer if you chose to use heated water to clean them. Boiling weakens then skull drastically and doesnt allow the degreasing agent to work properly so you might have a yellow skull a year or so down the road, even after you whiten it. Dawn detergent is a great degreaser to use in the water as well.

A call to the game and fish department will save you some serious tickets if you dont know the laws, it saved me on a trip to WY once...

 

[Musket Man]

I know alot of states require you to bone out the meat but I havent seen any regs on the head.

 

[Againstthewind]

http://www.cwd-info.org/index.php/fuseaction/policy.main

That is a good question. This is the best I could find on it.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Make sure you leave all brain and spinal material in the unit where you killed the animal. Good idea bringing the cooker. I also like to gutless dress my animals which leaves the spinal column where you got the animal. I am surprised that the fish and game departments aren't promoting the gutless method big time.

 

[Againstthewind]

The Wyoming G and F posted an instructional video on that method earlier this year, but I agree it should be promoted more. It is way faster, too I think.

 

[OregonJim]

Started going gutless a few years ago. Took a couple of animals to get decent at fishing out the tenderloin but I far prefer it now.
When it comes to processing I never have been a fan of wrapping bones.

 

[tim]

a power washer helps speed up the boiling\simmering process. also i have used galvanized buckets, cheap and the wife doesn't get mad.

 

[OregonJim]

I thought about that Tim, but I already look like the Beverly Hillbillies when I head out for elk camp.
I like the idea of using a galvanized water tub

 

[Cobbhunts]

I know in KY you aren't aloud to bring brain matter or spinal material across our border. Clean skull plate is fine. As far as an efficient method for your skulls in the field.....can you bring some derm beetles with ya?? Sorry, I couldn't resist. I have no idea how you could make it any more efficient than boiling. And that is a good idea on bringing the crab boiler. But like AT said....be careful not to overdo it.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

 

[Hilltop]

Oregon,

We like to skin our heads, slow boil them for a few hours and then head to the local car wash. It requires two people (one with an apron or garbage bag covering them and one washing) to get the job done right. The detergents remove all the grease/fat and you are left with a very white skull. You will need to be careful around the fragile nose but all other parts are easy. Once done the skull will be clean and safe to transport. The Wyoming game warden I spoke with said they consider this completed taxidermy which can be legally transported. It wouldn't hurt for you to check with the other states you will be crossing but I believe all states will consider this the same way. As long as you have your permit and it is legally harvested there are no Lacey Act issues.

 

[tim]

as far as using the power washer, I put on rubber boots, rubber rain gear and safety glasses. it is gross, but effective. Also, I use something to keep the skull in place, ie wall, plow, etc.

 

[Engideer]

I agree with Hilltop, I have used a local car wash a couple of times, and it has done a good job for me. Although depending on what town you are in, you will get a few looks.

 

[25contender]

I do the simmering then pressure washing. It works very well. I do first clean the scull by cutting and removing as much tissue as possible first.

 

[tim]

How do you guys get that last little knob out of the brain, I think it is where the sinuses and brain come together?
Also a power drill with a chunk of coat hanger works good for helping the brain process.

 

[OregonJim]

I agree with Hilltop, I have used a local car wash a couple of times, and it has done a good job for me. Although depending on what town you are in, you will get a few looks.

I don't think I'd get a second look in Meeker CO rolling up to the car wash and washing the skull. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if its on their price list right next to wax or tire cleaner.

Thanks for the tips guys.