Don't understand why??!!

[Schmalzfam]

So, my hubby and I were up hunting this am and came across a deer, it had been shot, the head was removed, one backstrap gone, and some of the rear quarter. They didn't even gut it, they just skinned it from behind the neck. We came across two guys hunting and they saw 2 others in the area that the antlers were just taken. Why would someone do this? Besides the obvious they are just idiots!! Do the antlers sell for money?? I guess I would think even if someone was going to poach, they would take the meat..wouldn't you think? 

[MuleySniper]

Id assume the temptation for most poachers is the head gear and not the meat. Too bad you didn't catch em in the act. Poachers suck.
MS

[stumprat]

Usually it's the dirtbags out spotlighting at night.

[bow4elk]

YOu should report that to WDFW Enforcement so they can put a decoy out in the area.  Those losers who are poaching deer will likely take the bait and get strung up!

[Schmalzfam]

We figured they did it at night sometime because, we were up there on Friday evening and it was there Sunday morning. That is a good idea to report it, I will have my hubby do that tomorrow. It's hard to understand the mentality of a poacher. I thought they do it for the meat but, it would make sense some guys think the horns would be cool. Uh..it's just frustrating. I had a friend tell me the native american's do it and sell it to China. But, don't they honestly get enough tags to where they don't have to be illegal about it? I am not racist at all so, that is not where I want this thread to go. But, is that even true?  I mean waste of game is illegal isn't it?

[DOUBLELUNG]

My guess would be a vehicle came and scared them off.  Otherwise, they'd have taken the other backstrap and choice rounds too from the other side.  

I believe all of the tribes, as well as nontribal regs, prohibit waste.  Still happens.  Most of the oriental market velvet antler hunting happens June-August, when the velvet is still on and the antlers full of blood - that is when they are most desired.  Top dollar velvet antler has most of the beam growth but still lumps, rather than points, at the terminal ends.

Not racist to understand that the tribes have hunting traditions, many have been corrupted by drugs and alcohol, and will do almost anything for a few dollars that doesn't involve holding a job.  Obviously, not a problem restricted to the tribes.

As recommended above, report to WDFW.