Please be Mindful Where Deer Carcasses are Dumped
Kevin Felts 12.09.19
It never fails, some hunter will get the bright idea that he can dump a deer carcass on a rural back road that is a short distance from a home. Since many rural dwellers have dogs, the dogs will find the bones and bring them home. Last night my Labrador (Beaux) was walking around the front yard with a deer leg he had found. Beaux was so proud of his find he was showing it to all of the other dogs. I felt bad taking taking the leg away, but I had to do it.
Some of the readers may be wondering what is the big deal? Well, a lot of people do not give their dogs bones because bones can cause health issues. For example, a local man had his dog die because the dog had a bone get lodged in his throat and the dog choked to death. Then there is the issue of sharp bones poking a hole in a dog’s throat or stomach. My dogs have a bad habit of eating deer bones, then throwing the bone fragments up. Surely sharp bones are not good for the dog either going down or coming back up.
So, what should hunters do? Drop the deer carcass off as far away from homes as possible. If the hunters who drop deer carcasses off near my home would have driven one more mile down the road they would have been far away from any house. Some states have designated deer carcass dumping stations. Another option is to bury the remains, although even then dogs may dig the remains up.
Another option is to bring the deer to a processor and let the processor dispose of the deer carcass. Chances are the processor has a permit and a plot of land where the remains are buried. A local butcher told me he has several acres in a nearby town where he buries the remains of the deer he processes.
While we are on the topic let’s touch on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Areas that have cases of CWD will probably have regulations prohibiting the dumping of a deer carcass. Depending on location, the carcass may have to be buried, placed in a landfill, or taken to a designated dumping station. These regulations are in place to help prevent the spread of CWD.
So whether we are talking about family dogs finding deer bones or helping prevent the spread of disease, please be mindful of where a deer carcass is dumped.
