Ococoileus Virginianus test cutting?

[ChrisThies]

Do whitetail deer make for good test cutting? What about the legality of retrieving road &/or RXR killed deer? Yesterday, while making a return trip, I passed a dead yearling laying trackside. A hand sized gash on a rear haunch indicated to me that the deer was clipped as it attempted to run accross the tracks in front of an oncoming train, incurring fatal internal injuries from the ensuing high speed tumble. I am currently awaiting the arrival of my first sharp, so I couldn't help but contemplate the option of returning later to retrieve the carcass for test cutting - had I the sharp. When I told my wife about this later on that evening her response to me was, "The FBI keeps profile lists of people like that [you]." Girls just don't get it. Anyway, this mornings pass made clear that the coyotes were far more prepared/decisive than I was on this issue. But what about next time when I have sword in hand?

[Shane Smith]

I urge you to check with your local Wildlife and Fisheries office and ask them if such roadside cleanup as you have in mind would be considered"unlawful taking"(that IS the actual legal term) of a game animal.

Beyond that,I'm sure that they would make for fine(and cheap) test cutting. An ARMA member whom shall remain nameless for the moment has done what you suggest with a deer legally taken during hunting season and the video of the cutting makes for interesting viewing.

Keep us posted.

[Jared L. Cass]

Yep, you should probably check with the local sherrif's office or the DNR befor taking anything from the road side or rXr. The last thing you need is to be convicted as a poacher. The sherrifs office will usually give you a permit to take a dead deer...it's a win win situation: you get some cutting matereal and the DMV/DNR save money on having to clean the side of the road. But, I don't know if i'd tell the cop that you plan on cutting it up with a sword <img src="/forum/images/icons/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Lot's of people think like your wife as hard as that is for guys like us to understand. If they ask what you want it for, IMO your better off telling them you're into Black Powder/Buckskinning and you want the hide for leather. Just my thoughts. Also, be sure to keep the actual test cutting rather discrete; ie: nobody around to see you other than like minded people or close friends/family...nobody who would brand you a psycho and call the authorities. You know, someone that understands the finer pieces of this art <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />

Later,

Jared L. Cass, ARMA Associate, Wisconsin