Call to Action--Wildlife Department

[Dave N]

My issues is not with the landowner not allowing me to retrieve the deer. I agree with private property rights. My issue is with the ODWC. Now that they have it, why can't they give it back to me.

Because it wasn't yours to begin with.

 

[Jnasa]

What will they (ODWC) do with the cape and rack?

When they get around to cleaning out the freezer they will saw up the rack to make dog chews and donate them to the pet shelter. The cape they will just throw away.

ClearCreek

Do you know this is what ODWC does? Many states I know of will auction items off the following year. Anything that is no longer needed for evidence that is.

 

[bowhunter_82]

Because if they gave it to you, it sets the standard for the next guy to just do the same thing - hunt without regard to property lines knowing that if the state takes the deer, they can just get it back

It should be noted, that deer can run for several hundred yards after being shot. I don't think hunting without regard to property lines was ever an issue here.

 

[Bowhuntrben]

Just curious. How close to the line were you when you shot?

I'm also surprised the DNR could seize it. Do they have salvage tags there?

 

[Bambistew]

Crappy situation.

I know of a few people that had moose seized for being under sized, and later determined they were in fact legal. In the meantime F&G gave the meat away and lost the antlers... could be worse. At least you know where they are.

 

[seeth07]

It should be noted, that deer can run for several hundred yards after being shot. I don't think hunting without regard to property lines was ever an issue here.

So hunt 100 yards from the boundary to avoid this situation? Only take shots you know will result in a perfect heart shot? Build a fence between your neighbors and your property or lay down logs to avoid having them run that direction after you shoot?

 

[bowhunter_82]

Do you know this is what ODWC does? Many states I know of will auction items off the following year. Anything that is no longer needed for evidence that is.

No I am not positive. They might have auctions. Something I need to investigate further. Thanks

 

[bowhunter_82]

Wise men know when to retreat would be my advice.

Replica can be as good as original and annoys massive head ache. Might even be allowed to measure the rack in the station if that will be the end of it

Appreciate the advice.

 

[Straight Arrow]

IMO, if legal harvest is defined by physical possession, it should be easy to get clarification of that definition and thus your legal possession status. 'Sounds as though a waste of money paid to an attorney.
In Montana if game is confiscated by the warden for whatever reason, the trophy parts and sometimes entire animal are often auctioned off. I've known of instances where the hunter has paid alot of money to outbid others and retrieve the trophy.
If the F&G agency values it as a trophy to mount and display, then it's likely their prerogative. 'Suggest you determine for certain what will be done with the deer first, then see if money will allow you to bid or buy somehow.
If you are ultimately unable to "retrieve" the deer, then just send me whatever you would pay a lawyer ... as I have practical legal and hunt advice, "Don't hunt near fencelines!"