(Dallas County) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking information regarding five deer carcasses abandoned near a boat ramp on the Raccoon River, located off Highway 44 in Dallas County. DNR Conservation Officer Dustin Eighmy received calls about the dumped deer carcasses on Wednesday, January 8.
Officer Eighmy observed that three deer had been gutted, but no meat had been taken.
Additionally, he noted that the other two deer had been skinned, with some meat removed, and the antlers taken from the buck deer. Part of the investigation includes determining if the meat was infected, or something along those lines, which may explain why it was left behind. Officer Eighmy is seeking information on whether these deer were tagged, transported legally, and reported to the DNR. He also mentioned that there could be a littering charge for each animal involved.
Eighmy is urging the public to come forward with any information they might have. Reports can be made anonymously, and individuals can submit tips through the non-profit organization Turn In Poachers (TIP), which rewards credible information. For more details or to provide information, the public can contact Officer Eighmy directly via cellphone at 515-883-0228 or email at dustin.eighmy@dnr.iowa.gov. He emphasizes that people can make anonymous reports to TIP regarding illegal wildlife-related activities at any time.