Even though the U.S.

Department of Agriculture has now reversed its ill-timed Sept. 2 ban on importing game birds taken in Canada, waterfowl hunters throughout North America could still be impacted by the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in migratory game birds during the coming months. Following a new ruling issued by the USDA on Sept. 12, American hunters are allowed to bring game bird meat back from Canada, but the birds must be cleaned, stored and transported as follows (which is different than how many people field-dress waterfowl): Viscera (innards), head, neck, feet, skin and one wing must be removed. Feathers must be removed, with the exception of one wing — as required by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for species identification. Carcasses must be rinsed in fresh, clean, potable water prior to packaging and must not have visible evidence of contamination with dirt, blood or feces. Carcasses must be imported in leak-proof plastic packaging and stored in a leak-proof cooler or container during transport and import. Carcasses must be chilled or frozen during transport and import. Any cooked or cured game bird meat will not be allowed to be imported, a rule consistent with prior seasons.