A representative with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries says this time of year is bad for people dumping deer carcasses.  

"This time of year, since the deer season is in, we do see more deer carcasses dumped," said Sergeant Jamie Davis, Virginia Conservation Police Officer.

Davis tells us his department comes across multiple deer a year that have had their meat removed and antlers sawed off.

"It is totally an unsightly matter, unsightly scene which is unethical and it gives all hunters a bad name," said Davis.

Davis says it is a potential health hazard.

"Well if it's in the water we could have possibly harmful bacteria and it attracts other animals into that area." said Davis.

We learned littering of a deer carcass is a class one misdemeanor which can get you up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

We found out after you kill a deer, you should dig a hole at least three feet deep to bury the deer in and to keep it out of sight.

"Take them back away from the road, most of the time people give you permission to bury it on their property," said Davis.

Davis says they are working to stop the problem of people dumping deer by placing cameras in various locations.

"We concentrate on areas where we have had calls or complaints or there appear to be a concentration of illegal dump sites," said Davis.

And, he says, it's working.

"Officers have made arrests and we are working cases at this time of dump sites," said Davis

Sergeant Davis wants to remind people you should never dump a deer near a waterway, as he mentioned, the decaying carcass will pollute the water system with bacteria.

If you know of any illegal dump sites, you are encouraged to call the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Click here to find the office nearest you.