What punishments are in store for illegally dumping a deer carcass?
TOPEKA (KSNT) - With deer season coming to a close, The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has a warning about illegally dumping a deer carcass, and the punishments that come with it.
Earlier this month, Kansas Wildlife & Parks - Game Warden posted on social media about the numerous calls of deer carcasses that are dumped across the Sunflower State this hunting season. According to state laws, it is illegal to put any dead animal carcasses in a river, or any public of water, or disposing on private property without the land owner's permission.
Laura Rose Clawson with KDWP told 27 News a main reason dumping animal carcasses is illegal is to try and control the spread of diseases.
"When possible, hunters should bone out meat and leave the carcass at the hunting site," Rose Clawson said. "The next best alternative is to quarter the animal, leaving the spinal column and head at the hunting site. If the animal is transported from the hunting site to be processed, the carcass should be returned to the hunting site or disposed of in a local landfill."
Some proper disposal methods of dead animals include: burial, incineration and taking it to a licensed disposal plant. KDWP offers Chronic Wasting Disease testing during the 2024-2025 deer season. This is a free, first-come, first-serve service; for more information, click here.
According to Rose Clawson, illegally dumping carcasses can be an indication of poaching.
"Operation Game Thief is a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks program that allows citizens to turn in poachers," Rose Clawson said. "You can call us toll-free within Kansas at 1-877-426-3843 or make a report online at https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Operation-Game-Thief/Operation-Game-Thief-Report-Form."
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