I asked the ASK DNR LAW if boning a deer out is legal after it has been checked in online. Here is the reply:

From: John Scifres
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2013 12:18 PM
To: DNR LAW
Subject: Deer Checking and In Field Processing

If a deer is killed and then the online CheckIn or phone system is used, can it be processed in the field instead of being dragged out. Can the carcass (bones and gutpile) remain in the field? Thanks.

John Scifres, Indianapolis

*************************************************
From: DNR LAW [mailto:dnrlaw@dnr.IN.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 11:13 AM
To: John Scifres
Subject: RE: Deer Checking and In Field Processing

Yes sir, you may process the animal, once it has been tele-checked, and leave the remains on the property, provided that you have permission to do so from the property owner. One word of caution, the law still states that you must fill out a temporary transportation tag (name, address, sex of animal, date of kill).

*************************************************
From: John Scifres
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 11:52 AM
To: DNR LAW
Subject: RE: Deer Checking and In Field Processing

Thank you. What if it is state or national forest or WMAs?

*************************************************
From: DNR LAW [mailto:dnrlaw@dnr.IN.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 11:13 AM
To: John Scifres
Subject: RE: Deer Checking and In Field Processing

The state allows field dressing on their properties.

good to know.

It opens up some new public areas for me to hunt now, knowing I can bone one out and pack it out...just need cell phone reception.

It might should be obvious but we should use discretion in placement of the remains. Drag them away from trails and areas of common use. It's surprising how little of a space a deer carcass takes up if you split the spine and fold the legs into the ribcage. Of course the scavengers are likely to undo that work in short order but at least we should try

I knew this.... if it is to far to drag like waaaay back in the HNF, why not......

The last comment said the state allows field dressing. Does that mean leaving a carcass after quartering one out?

I'm reading it that way since that was my question and the thread of the conversation. I agree it leaves some room for interpretation. But do it in a respectful way and I doubt you will have any problem on State land.

Make sure and take all the meat, neck and rib included so we don't get into any problems with wasting game. If you are quartering one, you should only have the spine, ribs and head left and that is pretty easy to make as unobtrusive as possible. I generally bone the hindquarters out but take the shoulders out whole.



Packing one out.

I've never had a problem dragging or rolling one out of the woods. If it is way back in the woods I always put my climber, pack, & bow or rifle on my deer cart then push the whole thing back in the woods. I cover the cart with some camo blind material then lean a few branches over it & it is there for the hopeful harvest or to pack my stuff out if I'm not successful.
But it is good to know we can cut it up & pack it out if need be.

Very valid point about not leaving it in plain view. Especially in a state park hunt etc. also remember not to put the carcass or what is left into or near a waterway.

This was a big reason I petitioned for telecheck years ago. I just hated taking the carcass home and then putting it in the trash to fill a landfill or go to the incinerator. It was such a waste of resources and unnecessarily increased the impact I have. I still have 2 landowners that want me to take the carcass away so I haven't eliminated that problem yet.

Time out - great point on the waterways.

I think the state park hunts still require a checkin at their facilities.....don't they? So, would the quartering, boning out still apply?

I was sitting in the stand just this week thinking of this very subject. I was wondering if you did tele check one, and it did NOT leave the property where it was harvested, or on public roads, if it still needed a temporary transportation tag. For instance....I shot one in my woods behind my house...

yaz, renee isn`t going to let you NOT help her drag her deer out of the park hunt.. just sayin..lol

Yes, state park hunts require the whole deer to be checked in.

Figures!!!! Thats about all I'm good for anyway!