Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

​Importing deer, elk, and other cervids into Wisconsin requires an import permit number and a current certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) including documentation of tuberculosis and brucellosis testing, as well as part​icipation in a state-recognized chronic wasting disease (CWD) program for at least five years.

Choose a topic:

• Import permit process
• Importing to a Wisconsin deer farm ​or ranch
• Importing directly to slaughter

Import Permit Process

Permits are obtained by the veterinarian representing the person selling the cervids to a Wisconsin buyer.

Permit processing hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Complete the cervid per​mit application and fax it along with the completed CVI to (608) 224-4871 or scan and email the documents to datcpanimalimports@wisconsin.gov. If the application is incomplete, staff will identify what is missing so you can complete the application. When everything is in order, a state veterinarian will issue a permit number and provide it to you. Please write the permit number on all copies of the CVI prior to shipment of the animals.

It is essential to plan ahead and allow time for processing. It make take multiple days for review and follow-up, so please make sure all paperwork is complete before submitting. Permits are not issued after business hours or on weekends.

For cervid imports from Canada, please call the USDA Import/Export Center at (301) 851-3300 for requirements​.

Importing to a Wisconsin Deer Farm or Ranch

The following is required:

• Import permit number. Complete and fax/email the cervid import permit application along with the CVI.
• Current CVI (see requirements​).​
  

Importing Directly to Slaughter​

Farm-raised deer imported directly to slaughter must be tested for CWD under the testing standards established by the state of origin.

For cervids imported direct to slaughter, you can use either a state-issued CVI or the federal form VS 1-27 (obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Each form has different requirements.

If you are using a CVI, the following are required:

• Import permit number. Complete and fax/email the cervid import permit application along with the CVI.
  
• Current CVI (see requirements).
  

If you are using a VS 1-27, the following are required:

• Import permit number. Complete and fax/email the cervid import permit application along with the VS 1-27.
  
• Two forms of approved individual identification for each animal, at least one of which is official ID.
  
• The seller's name, address, and premises code (if any).
  
• The destination facility's name and address.
  
• Signatures from the issuing veterinarian (include the expiration date and time), owner or shipper, and a representative at the slaughter facility.​