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'Tis the season. The deer hunting season, that is. And that means that some local inconsiderate and irresponsible hunters will be illegally dumping deer carcasses, some almost the whole animal, on the Allegheny Highlands Trail along the Harpertown-Gilman stretch and on the paved path across 219.
As of Oct. 30 there are two deer carcasses on the H-G stretch, with many more to come, I'm sure.
In 2020 there were several carcasses. In 2021 there were seven. In 2022 there were eight on the H-G stretch and a couple on the 219 path.
This is a wonderful recreational trail that many people use to ride bicycles and walk, with and without dogs. What results is a horrible stench and gruesome visuals which make time on the trail unbearable. Last year that stench lingered from October to late February.
I have spoken by phone with the WVDOH, who is responsible for maintaining the AH, on many occasions. I have left numerous messages for the WVDNR, who is responsible for enforcing hunting laws.
I actually reach people at DOH and am told they will pick the carcasses up, but that hasn't seemed to happen. I have yet to receive any response to my messages from DNR law enforcement.
I am urging all entities with the power to rectify this situation; the AHT group, WVDOH, WVDNR, Randolph County government and law enforcement bodies, to find a solution.
These dumps are illegal and wasteful, so the laws should be enforced. How about trail cameras to record people and license numbers so WVDNR can prosecute?
The carcasses in the waterway between the trail and the pastures contaminate the water that wildlife and livestock access. I'm willing to continue to report the dumped carcasses -- how about prioritizing this human recreational area for clean up?
Not being able to enjoy this lovely trail for three to four months because it reeks with rotting carcasses is tragic and solvable.
Kathie Karriker
Elkins