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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    2

    Default Saving an Orphaned Deer

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Oklahoma

    A orphaned deer wondered into our town and we were called. I am wanting to know what we need to do to keep this deer until it is old enough to be given to a wildlife sanctuary?

    I was told it's illegal to have a deer in your possession?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Key West, FL
    Posts
    2,350

    Default Re: Saving an Orphaned Deer

    Unless you are licensed to care for wild animals in your state and county, you can't keep the deer. It is illegal, and will be more trouble than it could ever be worth. If the deer is weened, it is not an orphan, it is just a juvenile deer.

    You need to contact your state department of wildlife and have them take custody of the deer.

    After you or family members get kicked and bitten a couple of times you won't think that deer is so cute. If it has rabies, you will have a fun series of painful stomach injections.

    Stick with a dog or cat.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Saving an Orphaned Deer

    There are state statutes against raising or owning native wildlife for commercial purposes without a license (Oklahoma Statute Title 29, §4-107) and against the unlicensed hunting or taking of protected wildlife. Depending upon how the deer came into the possession of the people who called you, this statute and the highlighted exemption may apply:
    Quote Quoting O.S. §29-7-502. General prohibition on possession of wildlife - Exceptions.
    A. Except as otherwise provided by law, no person may possess:
    1. Any wildlife or parts thereof during the closed season for that particular wildlife species;

    2. Any endangered or threatened species or parts thereof at any time; or

    3. Any native bear or native cat that will grow to reach the weight of fifty (50) pounds or more.
    B. Persons exempt from provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection A of this section are:
    1. Persons storing lawfully taken wildlife in any home freezer or cold storage locker;

    2. Persons possessing items, including but not limited to hides, heads or horns as specimens or trophies;

    3. Persons possessing wild waterfowl taken in compliance with and under provisions of federal laws pertaining thereto;

    4. Persons possessing legally obtained wildlife, from a source other than the wild, as pets or for the purpose of training hunting dogs, except as provided for by law or under rules promulgated by the Wildlife Conservation Commission; or

    5. Persons possessing farmed cervidae and licensed pursuant to the Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act.
    C. Persons possessing products for human consumption that have been taken, processed, labeled and transported in accordance with the laws of the state of origin and federal law shall be exempt from the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection A of this section. Provided:
    1. The person processing or offering the product for sale shall retain all necessary documents to evidence the state of origin of the wildlife or farmed cervidae product; and

    2. Nothing in this subsection shall allow a person to sell protected wildlife taken in this state except as otherwise provided by law.
    D. It shall be unlawful for any person to have in their possession any meat, head, hide, or any part of the carcass of any wildlife not legally taken.

    E. The applicable commercial or noncommercial wildlife breeder’s license shall be obtained if any wildlife is being propagated.

    F. Possession of game during the closed season, except as above provided, shall be prima facie evidence that the game was taken during a closed season.

    G. Any person convicted of violating any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed thirty (30) days, or by both.
    It's quite likely that your property is subject to local ordinances that may restrict or prohibit you from holding or raising wild animals. Check with your local unit of government.

    I expect that your homeowner's insurance prohibits you from keeping wild animals, and would not cover any injury or accident associated with your actions. You may want to check the language of your policy and to see if you can get a rider.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Saving an Orphaned Deer

    If it works the same as in Florida (and I'm pretty sure it does), only a state licensed wildlife rehabilitator can have the orphan in possession and provide care for it. If it is uninjured, release as soon as possible, and with the absolute minimum contact with humans, will be the goal for the rehabbers. Most species of deer wean within 4 to 6 months (even though they will continue to nurse if allowed). Contact your state's Dept. of Wildlife Conversation at (405) 521-3851 and get a referral to your local licensed rehabber.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Saving an Orphaned Deer

    I've contacted a nearby (within 100 miles) game preserve. They will take the baby as soon as he can be weaned. Thanks to both of you for your assistance!

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