just for the record i use ever part of the deer possible. but my question is, is it illegal to shoot a deer (for example) and ju

[Ryan Price]

just for the record i use ever part of the deer possible. but my question is, is it illegal to shoot a deer (for example) and just take the head or antlers? i have seen this in the woods a few times...

[JM1993]

In Missouri it is illegal to leave "commonly edible" parts of the animal. Sadly where I live, if only the antlers are gone it is a poacher. If you arent going to eat it yourself donate it.

[Derik Lee]

If it isn't where you are it should be.

[JM1993]

"Retrieval of game

Anyone who kills or injures a deer must make a reasonable effort to retrieve and include the animal in his or her season limit, but this does not authorize trespass. It is a violation to wantonly leave or abandon commonly edible portions of game." Taken straight off of Missouri Conservation website.

[pineywoods]

If it's not illegal, it's certainly unethical and I have nothing but contempt for those who do it.

[DSMbirddog]

I've never hunted anywhere that just taking the head is legal.

[OKsportsman]

Oklahoma has a "Wanton Waste" law which prohibits killing any game animal and just leaving the parts you don't want and taking the parts you do. You must make every possible effort to retrieve the animal and not let it go to waste. I think it is sad that we even have to have such laws, but we do because not everyone that ventures out into the woods is an ethical person.

[land_cruiser_73]

I have found a deer shot and lost by some other hunter. The meat was inedible, as I have no idea how long it had lain there. It smelled. I cut off the rack and took it home. This may have appeared like waste of game, but it wasn't, unless you count the person who shot it and let it get away.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...

Unless you're a poacher, you NEVER kill an animal just for the antlers. It's not only extremely wasteful, but nothing that I could ever believe was legal.

Seeing an "un-found" dead deer, especially one with the antlers only taken, should be reported immediately to your F&G authority.

[shaw]

I don't even know why you ask such a question, it's not only ethically wrong, but morally wrong...any hunter who just takes the head is no real hunter and no real man!