The caller on my office line was quite unhappy; someone had disposed of a deer carcass on his property.
It’s not unusual around Mississippi or anywhere else to find one dumped on roadsides or in ditches or even streams.
“Someone threw it in the water,” the man said. “It stinks, and the residents complain. It’s a nasty situation.”
I think for some hunters convenience outweighs logic. It’s easier to just leave the deer there when you’ve taken all of the parts that you’re going to use, but here’s the thing – it’s not only disgusting, it’s illegal.
The man who called me owns land in Marion County near Pine Burr. I’ve had several complaints from there and all areas of the county.
“There were several in the water under the bridge on Pine Burr Road,” the caller said. “It happens all the time.”
Hunters who dump carcasses need to know that there is a law on the books that can put them in jail and yield fines. Section 97-15-29 of the Mississippi Code prohibits the dumping of dead fish and wildlife, their parts, or waste on Mississippi’s roadways or their right-of-ways or on private property without the landowner’s consent. If caught, the offender can be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $250.
In 2014, dumping deer remains in a stream in Amite County sent two Louisiana men to jail for two nights. Police also confiscated their guns. After pleading guilty, the two were sentenced to community service.
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, deer carcasses pose a variety of threats. If dumped in streams and rivers, the bodies can pose a health risk to humans. The risk comes by drinking or swimming in waters contaminated by decomposing deer.
Dead deer on the side of the road can be a hazard for drivers. Hitting one can sometimes cause as much damage as striking one that is running across a road. It can also cause injuries to the driver or passengers.
Roadsides, streams or rivers are not good options for dumping a deer carcass. Recommended disposal techniques include digging a pit in which to place the carcass or taking it to a processor who will properly dispose of it. For those out on hunting land, place the carcass where it can’t be seen from homes or the road and let the coyotes and buzzards do the work.
Suggestions offered online say to dig the pit at least 300 feet away from a water source. If digging a pit, the proximity to homes or camps should be considered.
The state Wildlife Department urges people to properly dispose of deer carcasses, and officials say to report any violations to your local sheriff’s office or the state. In Marion County, the Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (601) 736-2711 for dispatch. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks can be reached statewide at 1-800-237-6278.
