ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ

What is required?

When transferring the possession of a deer or turkey (whole or part) that has been harvested in ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ, written documentation of that transfer is required by law.

How it works?

If you transfer possession of your deer or turkey harvest (whole or part) to any other person, taxidermist or deer processor, you must provide them with written documentation of the transfer when they take possession of the animal. 

Hunters are responsible for reporting all of their deer and turkey harvests through Game Check within 48 hours of harvest or prior to transfer of possession. The person receiving the animal is responsible for keeping the required written documentation while the animal is in their possession.

The written documentation must include:

• Full name of the person who harvested the animal
• Conservation ID number (CID) of the person who harvested the animal
• Game Check Confirmation Number associated with that animal
• Date the animal was harvested

Acceptable forms of documentation:

• Any piece of paper with the required information is acceptable.
• The new Deer/Turkey Transfer of Possession Certificate is provided as a convenient way for a hunter to document the transfer of possession of their deer or turkey harvest to any other person, taxidermist or deer processor.
• The Deer/Turkey Transfer of Possession Certificate is available for download below.

Why is this required?

Written documentation of the transfer of possession is required under the Game Check/Harvest Record reporting requirement for deer and turkey harvested in ºÚÁÏÌìÌà (ºÚÁÏÌìÌà Administrative Code 220-2-.146). 

The harvest data collected through Game Check is a valuable resource used to manage deer and turkey populations and set seasons and bag limits. Ensuring this information is obtained prior to transferring possession will increase data accuracy and aid in the formation of management strategies that will benefit both deer and turkey populations and hunter opportunities.

NOTE: The person receiving the deer or turkey is responsible for keeping written documentation while the animal is in their possession. 

Important information regarding the Transfer of Possession Requirement

Deer or Turkey Harvested in ºÚÁÏÌìÌà

• Any deer or turkey (whole or part) harvested in ºÚÁÏÌìÌà is subject to regulation 220-2-.146 (Game Check System - Deer and Turkey Harvest Record and Reporting Requirement). 
• The Transfer of Possession documentation listed in regulation 220-2.146 is required for any deer or turkey (whole or part) harvested in ºÚÁÏÌìÌà and transferred to any other person in the state of ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ.
• Any deer or turkey (whole or part) harvested in ºÚÁÏÌìÌà and transferred to the possession of any other person outside of the state of ºÚÁÏÌìÌà is not required to have the Transfer of Possession documentation listed in regulation 220-2-.146. However, that deer or turkey must still be reported via Game Check within 48 hours of harvest.  

Deer or Turkey Harvested in Other States 

• Deer or turkey (whole or part) harvested in other states should not be reported through ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ’s Game Check system. 
• If a hunter or any other person in ºÚÁÏÌìÌà is in possession of any part of a deer or turkey harvested in another state, that importation must comply with the requirements listed in regulation 220-2-.25 (Imported Game Birds, Game Animals, Wildlife and Raw Furs Subject to State Laws). 
• Anyone in possession of a deer or turkey (whole or part) harvested in another state might be asked by an ºÚÁÏÌìÌà Conservation Enforcement Officer to produce information and/or paperwork related to its legal harvest in that state.