FWP reminds hunters to dispose of animal carcasses properly

BILLINGS – Every year, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff find big game animal carcasses dumped on public and private land. Carcass dumping is illegal and can spread disease. This hunting season, protect our herds and make sure you have a plan to properly dispose of animal carcasses.

Under Montana state statute, dumping carcasses on public and private land without the owner’s consent is considered littering and can result in fines not exceeding $500. Conviction of littering while hunting can also result in the suspension of hunting and fishing privileges for one year.

Dumping carcasses can also increase the spread of diseases, including chronic wasting disease (CWD). CWD is a 100 percent fatal disease that can infect deer, elk and moose and has been in Montana since 2017. The disease is caused by deformed proteins called prions that cause neurological damage and eventual death. 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.

In 2021, the Fish & Wildlife Commission approved a new rule restricting carcass disposal in Montana due to growing concerns over the spread of CWD. Carcass parts, such as brain, eyes, spleen, lymph glands, and spinal cord material, from hunter harvested and vehicle-killed salvaged deer, elk and moose should be left at the kill site when possible. If the entire animal is transported for taxidermy or meat processing, the carcass must be bagged and disposed of in a Class II landfill. A carcass may be transported within the state regardless of where it was harvested if the carcass parts are disposed of in a Class II landfill after butchering and processing.

Hunters are prohibited from wasting any part of a game animal that is suitable for food. Under Montana state statute, “suitable for food” includes all of the four quarters above the hock, including the loin and backstrap, of every game animal, excluding mountain lions.

To protect our herds and ensure Montana’s hunting heritage can continue, dispose of animal carcasses properly. Learn more about CWD management here: fwp.mt.gov/cwd.