Bamberg, South Carolina (January 2018) – In December 2017, while conducting routine litter surveillance, Bamberg County Environmental Officer Farrell Pulaski discovered four illegally dumped deer carcasses. The deer remains were dumped on the dirt portion of Church Street in Denmark.
After an investigation, Pulaski charged two individuals with four counts of illegal dumping. The case also led to additional charges from South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for the same individuals. The case is pending a court hearing at Bamberg County Magistrate Court in late January 2018.
“Deer hunting is a popular recreational activity in Bamberg County,” stated Joey Preston, Bamberg County Administrator. “However, hunters must be aware that proper disposal of remains is required by state and local ordinances. Improper disposal of carcasses creates a nuisance situation that can cause human and animal health issues, environmental contamination and attracts unwanted scavenging animals.”
According to SC DNR, animal remains including heads, hides, and entrails should be buried at least two to three feet deep to prevent scavengers from digging up the carcass. Remains should never be disposed of in streams, ditches or along bodies of water. Individuals burying remains should do so on private property with permission from the property owner. Those without this option should contact a local deer processer for assistance. Failure to properly dispose of remains can result in a citation for littering.
“Bamberg County welcomes hunters into our county,” said Clint Carter, Bamberg County Council Chairman. “Hunters must be sure to property dispose of the carcasses. This recent litter case should put those hunters who fail to follow the law on notice that Bamberg County will not tolerate illegal dumping from hunters or anyone else.” Report illegal dumping of animal remains to the Bamberg County litter hotline at 803-245-7959 or via email with pictures at litterenforcement@bambergcounty.sc.gov. SC DNR also offers an anonymous report line, Operation Game Thief; call 1-800-922-5431 to report improper animal remain disposal anywhere in South Carolina.