Would anyone here not shoot a collared deer? Is there any states where it's illegal? And is its law to turn in the collar? Because once you shoot, retrieve and tag you deer, on your own land, doesn't it become yours including the collar? I see them all the time by my spot, but have never shot one. Thoughts?
No, I wouldn't shoot it. If it is collared, its for research, and it took a lot of effort to trap and collar that deer. And, the data is likely being used to better manage the herd. Also, the collar is the property of the DNR, regardless of when or where the deer dies and they will be knocking on your door if you take it.
They ask you not to shoot the collared critters out here. A lot of time, effort and tax dollars are spent to get them collared in the first place. I would absolutely turn the collar in if I did shoot one. Which I wouldn't, at least not on purpose. I imagine on a shaggy critter, it might be hard to see. (Bear, elk, Cecil the lion)
