Shooting at road kill

[free]

So, I was riding back from the cycle shop after having my winter tires installed. I'm going down I79 and I see two cars on the shoulder. As I got closer, I see a deer on the side of the road with them. Obviously they hit the deer. It's sitting there with its legs folded under it, with some of its innards hanging out, but it's "sitting up" and obviously still alive and obviously suffering.

So, I pull over. By the time I do, I'm maybe 100 yards down the road from the deer and the people that hit it. I'm wanting to put the deer out of its misery, but I don't want to break the law. So I call 911 and explain that I have a non-emergency and ask to be patched through to the cops. I want to find out if I can shoot the deer to put it out of his misery. After some initial BS, she patches me through.

I start to explain it to the cop, and before I can get to my question, he says they have someone on the way to "dispatch" the deer, and hangs up. So, I never got my question answered.

So, my question is, in a situation like this, are you (or anyone really) allowed to shoot the deer and put it out of his misery? Or is the only legally acceptable alternative to call the cops, and let them take care of it, however long it takes them to get on site (with the animal suffering in the meantime)?

Anyone know, for sure?

Thanks,
f

[normanvin]

My understanding is that only the game commission can give you permission to shoot a wounded deer.

[BimmerJon]

My understanding is that only the game commission can give you permission to shoot a wounded deer.

Yea , I don't think the police are allowed to even do it

[knight0334]

You are absolutely not allowed to put down injured critters other than your own pets or livestock, or the pets/stock of others(with permission).

The law and the PAGC requires that you let nature take its course.

1. It is considered "road hunting".
2. It is considered "illegal hunting"(poaching).
3. It is very likely that is is considered "shooting across a roadway" if the manner that you shoot isn't high enough to go well over the top of the vehicles.


Any or all of which could be applied against you. A conviction could possibly give the court just cause to seize your firearm that you used, then either destroy it or hand it over to the PAGC or sheriff to auction it off(not sure if they still do the auctions of seized guns anymore).


However, it is not illegal to accidentally run over it as you leave.

[gummy jones]

You cannot perform a "mercy kill" in pa

[Daycrawler]

What about slitting the Deer's throat? Of course only if it could be safely done. While not my first choice it would put the Animal out of its Misery!

[free]

All:

Well, that sucks.

Thanks for the replies.

However, it is not illegal to accidentally run over it as you leave.

Probably not advisable while riding a motorcycle.

[sprrdhawk44]

What about slitting the Deer's throat? Of course only if it could be safely done. While not my first choice it would put the Animal out of its Misery!

It isn't really about how you kill it. It's about killing the King's deer without his express permission.

[gummy jones]

All:

Well, that sucks.

Thanks for the replies.

Probably not advisable while riding a motorcycle.

Unless you turn it into an epic jump

[free]

Unless you turn it into an epic jump

With my luck, I would puncture one of my brand new tires on its antlers (which were rather substantial).