Allen County sheriffs deputies are investigating the discovery of dozens of dead game birds found dumped near Deer Creek north of Iola.
Deputies said the fowl primarily ducks and geese were found near the intersection of 1600 Street and South Dakota Road, more commonly known as Twin Trestles.
Master Deputy Daren Kellerman said initial estimates of about 20 birds were inaccurate, because they were stacked three-deep in a water-filled itch. Forty-eight birds in all were found.
Most had the breast meat cut out and discarded.
Were 100% certain this was not done by an animal, Kellerman said.
The Sheriffs Department is contacting the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for what they suspect is illegal hunting on a fairly large scale.
Kellerman also spoke of wanton waste.
We dont condone any illegal hunting or taking of game, but if a person does, we would at least hope they are doing it for a life-sustaining need, Kellerman said. This is the deliberate waste of a potential food source, which appears to be taken out of season.
The desired parts were removed and the bodies discarded into a public waterway, he said.
Anyone with information regarding the carcasses is encouraged to contact the Sheriffs Department at (620) 365-1400.
