Complete totals will be available once data entry has been completed on the forms from check stations. During the fall, the DFW received a number of telephone calls from people who had hit deer or had narrowly avoided deer on the roads. Callers were unsure of what to do if and when one hits a deer. This is not required by law but motorists may want to know. The driver of the vehicle has the option of taking or leaving the deer.
Second option goes to any passenger in the vehicle.
The driver or passenger opting to take the deer must be a Massachusetts resident. If, and only if, the driver and all passengers waive the right to take the deer, the deer may be disposed of at the discretion of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or officers of the Division of Environmental Law Enforcement. Other state or local law enforcement officials have authority to take the deer to a disposal area. They may not keep it or transfer it to anyone else. The driver may bring the deer to one of the DFW offices listed above or may arrange to meet with an Environmental Police Officer who will issue a free tag and permit allowing the driver or passenger to have possession of the deer.