I know the WMA check in stations normally collect weight and other info on deer brought in. If you hike in deep with a pack, are you allowed to quarter up the deer, debone the remainder, and pack it out? I'm trying to find out if I did that and showed up at the check in station, or was stopped while driving out, if I would be found in violation of their regulations.

If anyone can point me any any written guidance I would appreciate it. My question apples to both bow hunting without a check in station open, and gun hunts where the check in station is maned.

Thanks for the help,

This language in the WMA Regulations is all I can find written. Which leaves ambiguous what condition the animal must be in, and what to do when the check in station is not manned.

220­-2­-.55 Wildlife Management Areas, Community Hunting Areas, Public Hunting Areas, and Refuges of Alabama

(r) To transport deer killed during gun hunts from any AREA before being checked at the designated checking stations for scientific data, except on David K. Nelson, Grand Bay Savanna, Riverton, Upper Delta, W. L. Holland and Mobile-Tensaw Delta, and Forever Wild Gothard – AWF Yates Lake AREAS or to transport turkey without reporting as specified for each AREA.

I know one that you can pack them out. I can't imagine it being different at other WMAs, but call the biologist for the WMA that you're wanting to hunt.

In MS they want the weight. Live or gutted doesn't really matter.

I quartered and packed one out at Bankhead, and checked it in... it was a couple years ago but they never said anything about it!

thats the kind of questions gw,s like to avoid. I know i called and asked once and never got a strait answer. I know at wheeler wildlife refuge it says you cant even gut the deer on their regulations. but I would use common sense and do it anyways I dont think any gw would care.

I don't see where it would be a problem unless specified otherwise. If you wind up in that situation and still don't have a straight answer, take several pics of the deer before you start working on it. Maybe it will be some help if there is any discrepancy.

Bow season, yes, you don't have to check the deer you kill at the station. Gun hunts, I believe as long as sex is kept intact you're legal, but I know they want weights as well.

Thanks everyone for the replies. Sounds like it's not technically illegal, but they sure would like to get the weights off all the deer they could. If so, I understand their position. I would get a whole deer to the check in if at all possible.

I called the biologist from Skyline to ask this question, but he didn't answer. I left a message. If he calls me back, I'll reply back to this thread.

Where does it say that on wheelers regulations?

I've "heard" ya could on Bankhead. But I also hear now they fussing bout gamecarts on the wilderness area. I know if you follow the fine line of wilderness law they may be in the shaded area as illegal but nobody as ever said anything till recently.

Why would game carts be an issue? That really sucks if there's a regulation against carts.

The only place they fuss about carts is in the Sipsey Wilderness area. They have fussed about that as long as I can remember. The rules say no wheeled anything on the wilderness. Foot traffic only except on the maintained roads.

Gotcha, I understand now. I guess that means a better chance of them getting a boned out deer at check in then. There's only so far a man can drag a deer through that type terrain.

I may just try to find a biologist/GW number and call to clarify.

I looked at this years permit and it didn't say that, but in years past it said no animal entrails were to be left.

Did you get any clarity on the matter ?

When I was on Black Warrior I absolutely let hunters bring quartered deer and I got what info I could get. I’m not punishing someone for attempting to make the best effort they can to report a deer. Not sure how it’s being handled now. Reg says on certain days you have to bring the entire deer by.

As a general rule in rougher country I’d pack out as necessary. Retain proof of sex as needed , and be able to estimate live weight.

Common sense is not so common these days Rick and Bubba) I’d pack one out and go through the check station . Most folks would keep the rack of a buck ; even a small one . Not sure about proving a doe ? Head , genitalia ?