Warning Comes after Reports of Headless Deer

LONGVIEW — The recent discovery on Gregg County roadways of numerous headless deer or some missing antlers has prompted a warning from Game Warden Todd Long. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Long points out that illegal activity is involved. “Many times, they just take the head for trophy value,” said Long. “There’s some value tied to the antlers, and so these guys are ‘horn hunting’ on the side of the road. They’re just taking the antlers for trophy value and then leaving the rest of the deer to waste.”

Authorities often receive more calls that deer are obstructing roadways during the fall because the animals are more active during their rut, or breeding, season, Long said. It is illegal to possess a deer or any part of a deer taken from a public roadway, he said, and violators could face a fine up to $500. In some instances, deer struck by cars can be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Those that cannot, Long said, have their meat donated to churches or needy families. “I’ve got a list of local families, people who might be unemployed, etc., and (deer meat) subsidizes their groceries,” Long said. “It’s sad to respond to the scene sometimes and someone has already cut the horns off or cut the head off and let the deer waste when that was unnecessary, and illegal as well.”

If a person is interested in obtaining a deer that has been struck with a vehicle or that is found in a roadway, he or she should contact the game warden, who has the authority to release the animal if it cannot be rehabilitated. “Also, as far as reporting a violation, I’d like to stress that if readers should witness a violation or witness someone removing a deer from the roadway, I encourage them to call the game warden or to call the sheriff’s office,” Long said. “I don’t want anybody to do anything to jeopardize their safety, but just report what they see and get a license plate (number).” Contact Long at (903) 930-5117.