Duck Carcasses Illegally Dumped in Oklahoma Trash Dumpster

Oklahoma officials are searching for two suspects they believe are responsible for discarding 18 duck carcasses in a store dumpster. (Photo by David McGowen)

Oklahoma game wardens are searching for those responsible for dumping duck carcasses in a store’s private dumpster last month. According to koko.com, two people threw 18 breasted-out duck carcasses into the dumpster at a Ponca City Staples store on December 19.

Per federal regulations, either the head or one fully feathered wing must remain attached to harvested waterfowl for legal transport from the field to one’s home. This regulation helps ensure that conservation officers can identify harvested birds and ensure that hunters are following bag and possession limits. Oklahoma game warden Spencer Grace said the carcasses they discovered in the dumpster were breasted out.

“They were full bodies and only missing the breast meat. This has become a huge problem, and we believe out-of-state hunters are the main culprits,” Grace said. “This area attracts a lot of out-of-state hunters because of the hotels and Airbnb rentals. We find discarded, breasted-out birds constantly and it needs to stop.”

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“Game Wardens are seeking any information on the two subjects. If you have information, please contact Game Warden Spencer Grace @ 5807616565. You can report anonymously and receive a reward,” officials wrote in a social media post.

Officials are investigating two additional cases of illegal dumping of waterfowl carcasses in ditches off of main roads.

“These types of events give all hunters a black eye. We can do better. We must do better,” officials said.

According to officials, those convicted of illegally disposing of harvested game can lose their hunting privileges.