EBS STAFF
As hunting season progresses, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminded hunters of proper carcass disposal, and that that leaving animal carcasses behind on public and private land is illegal and can spread disease.
According to a Sept. 30 release from FWP, a person dumping carcasses on public and private land without the owner’s consent can be fined up to $500 under Montana state statute. A person can also be suspended from hunting and fishing privileges for one year if convicted of littering while hunting.
Dumping carcasses may also increase instances of chronic wasting disease, a 100% fatal disease that can infect deer, elk and moose.
“The disease is caused by deformed proteins called prions that cause neurological damage and eventual death,” the release stated. “Live infected animals spread prions through bodily fluids such as feces, urine and saliva. After an infected animal dies, prions can exist in the environment for years and continue infecting other animals.”
A 2021 Fish & Wildlife Commission states that carcass parts like the brain, spleen, eyes, lymph glands and spinal cord material from hunter harvester and vehicle killed deer, elk and moose should be left at the kill site if possible. An entire transported animal must be bagged and disposed of in a Class II landfill. Under Montana state statute, hunters are prohibited from wasting any part of a game animal that is suitable for food.
