Dumpers leave mess for others

by Jazz Clark
A sizable pile of antlerless deer parts were found along Duckwall Road the morning of Monday, November 26.

According to Division of Natural Resources regulations, it is illegal to dispose of any carcasses along public or private roads in West Virginia.

At least five or six gutted carcasses or parts of deer were piled up, with legs and skulls littering the woods just feet from the public road and near a small bridge.

DNR Officer Lt. Tom Stuckey said unlawful dumping is a problem state-wide.

“It’s a convenience thing,” he said. “People would rather throw their carcasses away somewhere closer then dispose of them in a lawful manner.”

They investigate these cases all the time, he said. Unfortunately, without a license plate number or a vehicle model, there is usually little to go on.

Some officers have taken to installing motion-activated cameras in trouble spots to catch pictures or video of dumping culprits.

Stuckey suggested that carcasses be used as compost on private property or taken to Grapevine Road Recycling Center in Martinsburg. At the very least, they should be discarded on the hunter’s own property, he said.

Responsibility for cleaning up such messes falls on the owner of the property if on a private road.

If dumped along a state-owned road, the Division of Highways generally cleans up the deer parts.

If caught, illegal disposers could face fines of up to $1,000 as a misdemeanor offense.

If anyone sees illegal dumping, they should report it immediately to DNR headquarters in Romney at 304-822-3551.