is this becmoing a trend?

[seth30]

Yesterday while on public land I once again came across debreasted ducks.  I have never seen this before but have heard about it years ago, now it seams like I cant go without seeing it in certain areas.  Is this a new trend in duck hunters, something they saw on duck commander?  I highly doubt that is even legal....  If I am wrong, sorry just venting my anger

[vandeman17]

Where did you see them? Just laying on the ground or in the blind? It is a tough call because the hunters might have just cleaned their kills there and left the carcasses for the scavengers. I am not sure the legality of it as I always clean my birds at home.

[seth30]

It was on the ground no where near a blind.  Not only does that place get packed with duck hunters but also bird watchers.

[vandeman17]

That is in poor taste for sure, much like leaving a gut pile by the road but I don't think it is illegal.

[seth30]

If your approached by a game warden in a field how could the game warden identify the birds you shot?  That's what got me thingking it may be illegal.

[vandeman17]

If your approached by a game warden in a field how could the game warden identify the birds you shot?  That's what got me thingking it may be illegal.

Exactly and that's why I am not sure the legality of it. Be an easy way to shoot 7 pinnies, breast them out and say you shot all mallards etc. I should read up in the regs and see if I can find anything mostly for the sake of my own knowledge. 

[hntrspud]

I see them alot in different areas, but MOST of the time they are thrown in the bush for the scavengers and out of sight.

[ghosthunter]

There are threads on here about this very thing. it is legal and done all the time.
I have talked to Skagit Game agents several times. The first time I ever saw it some one had dumped several breasted snow geese in works dumpster. I called a game agent.
And other than the fact that they used the dumpster without permission , no laws were broken.

The same agent has been to my Hunter ed  class several times over the years and instructed students that if they breasted birds to not dump them where the public could view them.

It is very common to find breasted birds near parking lots of public hunt areas.

Not saying its right ,Just saying no laws broken.  Most guys will wait till they get home or at least to there truck before they do it in case they are contacted by a game agent.

I have seen more snow geese breasted than ducks though.

[birdstew]

Legally transport breasted meat from hunting area no. But people do it.

State Regulation
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO:
Possess in the field or transport game
birds unless a feathered head is left
attached to each carcass, except
falconry-caught birds.

Federal Regulations
Species identification requirement:
No person shall transport within the United
States any migratory game birds, except doves
and band-tailed pigeons (Columba fasciata),
unless the head or one fully feathered wing
remains attached to each such bird at all times
while being transported from the place where
taken until they have arrived at the personal
abode of the possessor or a migratory bird
preservation facility.

[270Shooter]

Yeah supposed to leave a wing attached to the meat. I always just clean them when I get home.

[MtnMuley]

I figured you were upset because they wasted the hearts and gizzards

[MC37493]

i see them all the time at skagit. there were about thirteen honkers breasted out at cherry valley at the end of the season last year at the east end

[sakoshooter]

That is in poor taste for sure, much like leaving a gut pile by the road but I don't think it is illegal.

Very much illegal. Must leave proof of species and sex attached. The fully feathered head and/or wing. Breasting does neither and leaves a mess in the marsh also. The kind of mess the darn crabbers leave at the Luhr Beach(Nisqually)boat launch every weekend by cleaning the crabs above the water line and driving off.

[ducksdogsdownriggers]

Yeah supposed to leave a wing attached to the meat. I always just clean them when I get home.

 
When I have birds processed at Eagle Lakes Ranch whole birds have one wing left attached, breasted birds, obviously, do not.  Not sure exactly how the law reads, but I know they're not breaking any regs.

I have happened across breasted out carcases myself this year as well.  Definitely poor taste.

[ICEMAN]

I got heat for this in the past but.... 

Breasting a duck or goose out is a blatant waste of the resource. Guys need to learn how to eat the whole bird, or stop shooting them IMHO.

[Bob33]

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=232-12-267

(1) It is unlawful to possess or transport game birds unless the feathered heads are left attached to the carcass, except falconry caught birds, until the carcass is processed and/or stored for consumption.

[splitshot]

  it is probably illegal but I have been doing it for 40 plus years.  leave the debreasted stuff for the scavengers.  it is wrong but in a way it is right.  why put it in the garbage when it is carrion?   mike w

[ICEMAN]

Why is it right to toss the rest of the meat on the bird?

[h2ofowlr]

Does it appear that someone breasted them out or could it be a bird.  I know from experience that an eagle can have the breasted out quickly.  If not, someone may have dumped them the following day as well.

[seth30]

Looked like clean cuts and lack of feathers on the ground ruled out a eagle.

[lokidog]

I got heat for this in the past but.... 

Breasting a duck or goose out is a blatant waste of the resource. Guys need to learn how to eat the whole bird, or stop shooting them IMHO.

I agree completely, there is a lot of meat on duck and especially goose legs.  That's what slow cookers are for.  Wish the gamies would write tickets for improper transport as well. 

I have no problem with bringing carcasses back out to the field for the critters to eat, but have some decorum in where you dump them.   

[hdshot]

Yesterday while on public land I once again came across debreasted ducks.  I have never seen this before but have heard about it years ago, now it seams like I cant go without seeing it in certain areas.  Is this a new trend in duck hunters, something they saw on duck commander?  I highly doubt that is even legal....  If I am wrong, sorry just venting my anger

Dead deer littered all over the roads from drivers and do you get angry?  Just don't let those bunny huggers train you on what to get angry about.  If they don't get angry about all the dead animals caused from drivers then there is nothing else to get excited about.

I don't leave breasted out birds in the parking lot because illegal to transport and out of respect for other hunters dogs.  If the meat from the bird starts to be prepared from consumption I don't see anything illegal about it.  Big game hunters leave boned and gutted out deer/elk parts behind from camp, parking lots, and woods.     

[pianoman9701]

it is probably illegal but I have been doing it for 40 plus years. leave the debreasted stuff for the scavengers.  it is wrong but in a way it is right.  why put it in the garbage when it is carrion?   mike w

Well, this thread is a good service to you then. It's definitely illegal to do it in the field. You could certainly bring the carcasses back for those scavengers after you processed the birds at home. I suggest, however, that leaving carcasses where bird watchers will come across them doesn't help our sport much. Just my 

This came up a few years ago because in this area of SW WA, geese need to be checked in at the end of the day. It's suspected that some who shoot Dusky geese illegally breast them out in the field to avoid having their ticket punched for the rest of the year. Not long ago, as you all recall, there was a whole mess of breasted geese found by some beach combers on a beach up north and got us hunters some really great (sarc) publicity.

Thanks to those who posted the regulations on this. We need to be actively pursuing this and other bad profile moves to protect our sport.

[hdshot]

it is probably illegal but I have been doing it for 40 plus years. leave the debreasted stuff for the scavengers.  it is wrong but in a way it is right.  why put it in the garbage when it is carrion?   mike w

Well, this thread is a good service to you then. It's definitely illegal to do it in the field. You could certainly bring the carcasses back for those scavengers after you processed the birds at home. I suggest, however, that leaving carcasses where bird watchers will come across them doesn't help our sport much. Just my 

This came up a few years ago because in this area of SW WA, geese need to be checked in at the end of the day. It's suspected that some who shoot Dusky geese illegally breast them out in the field to avoid having their ticket punched for the rest of the year. Not long ago, as you all recall, there was a whole mess of breasted geese found by some beach combers on a beach up north and got us hunters some really great (sarc) publicity.

Thanks to those who posted the regulations on this. We need to be actively pursuing this and other bad profile moves to protect our sport.

Problem is hunters treat other hunters like chit and thats where it begins to help our sport.  I have a tenage nephew that wanted to do a little duck hunting with me and I told him some of my experiences of rude hunters so there would be no surprises like I saw for myself and then he said no.  I had to tell the nephew because I remember that first time at 10 years old wondering if that other PO'ed hunter with a gun in the dark was going to shoot or fight us because I was never warned about this.  I understand now but to a 10 year old that got the blood pumping because I never saw an adult in public act like that to strangers before.  Lots love the chase of combat hunting screwing the other hunters vs being successful.           

[lokidog]

Not sure how coming down on someone doing something illegal (breasting before transport) or at the very least doing something with poor taste can be considered "hunters screwing other hunters?"

And, comparing tossing your bird carcasses or processed big game carcasses into inappropriate areas to roadkills is just, well, stupid.   

[JLS]

And, comparing tossing your bird carcasses or processed big game carcasses into inappropriate areas to roadkills is just, well, stupid.   

And everybody said, AMEN!

I'm starting to wonder if some folks are starting their New Year's Eve drinking binge a little early.

[JLS]

it is probably illegal but I have been doing it for 40 plus years. leave the debreasted stuff for the scavengers.  it is wrong but in a way it is right.  why put it in the garbage when it is carrion?   mike w

Well, this thread is a good service to you then. It's definitely illegal to do it in the field. You could certainly bring the carcasses back for those scavengers after you processed the birds at home. I suggest, however, that leaving carcasses where bird watchers will come across them doesn't help our sport much. Just my 

This came up a few years ago because in this area of SW WA, geese need to be checked in at the end of the day. It's suspected that some who shoot Dusky geese illegally breast them out in the field to avoid having their ticket punched for the rest of the year. Not long ago, as you all recall, there was a whole mess of breasted geese found by some beach combers on a beach up north and got us hunters some really great (sarc) publicity.

Thanks to those who posted the regulations on this. We need to be actively pursuing this and other bad profile moves to protect our sport.

There is a very good reason why you have to leave the head/wing attached in the field.  How easy would it be for me to breast out illegal ducks (too many pintails, hen mallards, etc.) and transport them that way so I don't get caugtht?

If someone has been doing it for 40 years, you're probably due for a ticket.

[ghosthunter]

Going up to another hunter and telling them they should not be breasting their ducks in the field or lot will never be taken kindly.

You are better just to be a good witness and report it to a game agent. Let them have the talk with them. 

[pianoman9701]

Going up to another hunter and telling them they should not be breasting their ducks in the field or lot will never be taken kindly.

You are better just to be a good witness and report it to a game agent. Let them have the talk with them. 

That's always a good rule of thumb dealing with anyone breaking the law while armed. 

[madcow41]

leaving carcasses where bird watchers will come across them doesn't help our sport much. Just my 
[/quote]

Makes it easier for the bird watchers to see.

[sakoshooter]

Going up to another hunter and telling them they should not be breasting their ducks in the field or lot will never be taken kindly.

You are better just to be a good witness and report it to a game agent. Let them have the talk with them. 

That's always a good rule of thumb dealing with anyone breaking the law while armed. 

Yes and No. You'd better have some solid evidence to give the game agent or your report will fall on deaf ears and the law breaker will continue his routine.

[pianoman9701]

Going up to another hunter and telling them they should not be breasting their ducks in the field or lot will never be taken kindly.

You are better just to be a good witness and report it to a game agent. Let them have the talk with them. 

That's always a good rule of thumb dealing with anyone breaking the law while armed. 

Yes and No. You'd better have some solid evidence to give the game agent or your report will fall on deaf ears and the law breaker will continue his routine.

So, you're saying you should approach an armed law-breaker? The best you can do is get as many details as possible and report it, hoping that at the very least, they'll be talked to. Unless someone's life is in imminent danger, you should never approach an armed law-breaker and point out the law to them. It's stupid and an unnecessary risk. If it falls on deaf ears, so be it. It's breasting ducks, not shooting kids in a school. Walk away.

[sakoshooter]

Going up to another hunter and telling them they should not be breasting their ducks in the field or lot will never be taken kindly.

You are better just to be a good witness and report it to a game agent. Let them have the talk with them. 

That's always a good rule of thumb dealing with anyone breaking the law while armed. 

Yes and No. You'd better have some solid evidence to give the game agent or your report will fall on deaf ears and the law breaker will continue his routine.

So, you're saying you should approach an armed law-breaker? The best you can do is get as many details as possible and report it, hoping that at the very least, they'll be talked to. Unless someone's life is in imminent danger, you should never approach an armed law-breaker and point out the law to them. It's stupid and an unnecessary risk. If it falls on deaf ears, so be it. It's breasting ducks, not shooting kids in a school. Walk away.

I have reported it as your stated Pianoman many, many times over the years with no response whatsoever and when I followed up, I was told that the infraction would have to be witnessed first hand otherwise it was simply 'hear say'.
I've approached many hunters/fishermen, armed and unarmed to discuss unethical and illegal acts. I love the sports I participate in and take them seriously enough to try to protect them to the best of my ability. Far too many folks in this world have turned into pacifists, allowing everyone around them to do as they please. Part of the problem in the country. I'm guessing you've got a few years under your belt. If so, you'd remember anyone and everyone correcting and directing you as you were growing up. Not so today.

[pianoman9701]

Going up to another hunter and telling them they should not be breasting their ducks in the field or lot will never be taken kindly.

You are better just to be a good witness and report it to a game agent. Let them have the talk with them. 

That's always a good rule of thumb dealing with anyone breaking the law while armed. 

Yes and No. You'd better have some solid evidence to give the game agent or your report will fall on deaf ears and the law breaker will continue his routine.

So, you're saying you should approach an armed law-breaker? The best you can do is get as many details as possible and report it, hoping that at the very least, they'll be talked to. Unless someone's life is in imminent danger, you should never approach an armed law-breaker and point out the law to them. It's stupid and an unnecessary risk. If it falls on deaf ears, so be it. It's breasting ducks, not shooting kids in a school. Walk away.

I have reported it as your stated Pianoman many, many times over the years with no response whatsoever and when I followed up, I was told that the infraction would have to be witnessed first hand otherwise it was simply 'hear say'.
I've approached many hunters/fishermen, armed and unarmed to discuss unethical and illegal acts. I love the sports I participate in and take them seriously enough to try to protect them to the best of my ability. Far too many folks in this world have turned into pacifists, allowing everyone around them to do as they please. Part of the problem in the country. I'm guessing you've got a few years under your belt. If so, you'd remember anyone and everyone correcting and directing you as you were growing up. Not so today.

I'm far from being a pacifist and I have approached people breaking the rules and spoken with them about it. Most of the time, to no avail because they know they're breaking the rules and don't care. However, I would never advise someone else to do likewise. It's too dangerous. As we are advised in the CORT system of witnessing and reporting, just get as many details as you can and report it without being detected. Someone getting away with breasting out ducks is going to be better than someone getting shot over someone breasting out ducks.

[sakoshooter]

Going up to another hunter and telling them they should not be breasting their ducks in the field or lot will never be taken kindly.

You are better just to be a good witness and report it to a game agent. Let them have the talk with them. 

That's always a good rule of thumb dealing with anyone breaking the law while armed. 

Yes and No. You'd better have some solid evidence to give the game agent or your report will fall on deaf ears and the law breaker will continue his routine.

So, you're saying you should approach an armed law-breaker? The best you can do is get as many details as possible and report it, hoping that at the very least, they'll be talked to. Unless someone's life is in imminent danger, you should never approach an armed law-breaker and point out the law to them. It's stupid and an unnecessary risk. If it falls on deaf ears, so be it. It's breasting ducks, not shooting kids in a school. Walk away.

I have reported it as your stated Pianoman many, many times over the years with no response whatsoever and when I followed up, I was told that the infraction would have to be witnessed first hand otherwise it was simply 'hear say'.
I've approached many hunters/fishermen, armed and unarmed to discuss unethical and illegal acts. I love the sports I participate in and take them seriously enough to try to protect them to the best of my ability. Far too many folks in this world have turned into pacifists, allowing everyone around them to do as they please. Part of the problem in the country. I'm guessing you've got a few years under your belt. If so, you'd remember anyone and everyone correcting and directing you as you were growing up. Not so today.

I'm far from being a pacifist and I have approached people breaking the rules and spoken with them about it. Most of the time, to no avail because they know they're breaking the rules and don't care. However, I would never advise someone else to do likewise. It's too dangerous. As we are advised in the CORT system of witnessing and reporting, just get as many details as you can and report it without being detected. Someone getting away with breasting out ducks is going to be better than someone getting shot over someone breasting out ducks.

Graduate of "CORT" also and yes, I don't advise others to do anything stupid but sometimes pointing out the long term effects of their actions sheds new light on them. A selfish hunter breaking a small law is far from the same selfish angry hunter shooting a human being. Maybe I'm taking a chance but sometimes it's gotta be done. What's more important is that we all stick together and do everything we can to prevent any losses to our great sports.