A harmful piece of legislation is quickly making its way through the Oklahoma Legislature. Senate Bill 1077 (SB1077) would allow hunters to transport intact, deceased Cervidae (members of the deer family) into Oklahoma for delivery to taxidermists registered with the Secretary of State. While this may seem harmless on the surface, it poses serious risks to wildlife health and undermines sound wildlife management practices.
The National Deer Association (NDA) opposes Oklahoma Senate Bill (SB1077) as currently written. Wildlife policy should be guided by trained professionals at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) through the established rulemaking process—not through legislation. Rulemaking gives wildlife biologists and managers the flexibility to respond to emerging threats, and it also provides the public, including hunters and taxidermists, the opportunity to weigh in through a public comment period.
SB1077 has already passed the Senate and House committees and is now heading to the House floor for a vote. We need your voice now to help stop it before it is sent to the Governor, signed, and becomes law.
Beyond legislative vs. rule making process concerns, SB1077 the bill neglects to provide any guidance on safe and effective disposal of carcass waste once it reaches Oklahoma. Without standardized, accessible disposal protocols, the risk of disease transmission only grows. These protocols should be developed and enforced by ODWC through its existing authority—not left vague or unregulated under statute.
Furthermore, the bill raises major public health and conservation red flags. It fails to address the risk of spreading chronic wasting disease (CWD)—a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and other Cervidae. Allowing the transport of entire carcasses into the state increases the chance of introducing CWD into uninfected areas, potentially devastating wild deer populations and threatening the hunting heritage and economic benefits they support.
SB1077 puts Oklahoma’s wildlife at risk. It strips wildlife managers of essential tools, limits public input, and opens the door to potential disease disaster. The best path forward is clear: this issue must be addressed through ODWC’s rulemaking process, where science, transparency, and stakeholder involvement can guide the decision.
Take action today using the link below. Contact your state representative and urge them to vote NO on SB1077. Our wildlife, hunting heritage, and public trust depend on it.