So the story goes...

One of my buddies was able to connect with a great buck in Kansas early this year. He had called when he got out of the stand and told me that he had shot a big 10 and the shot felt good. They were going to give it some time and head back out, he would keep us updated and send pictures when they found him...

Well, I never heard back from him that night. The next morning, I got a text that they trailed him into some tall grass and saw where he had bedded, so decided to pull back out for the evening and return that morning. They were headed back in.

About 1:00, I got the dreaded text that the blood trail was gone and they were setting up a grid system to search. The deer had gone into the neighbors, but they had permission to cross. The search didn't yield a buck though.

There were a couple of locals that they are friends with, so they shared the story and told them the last spot that they had seen blood and told them the direction that the deer was going. He was confident that it was down, but just couldn't find it in the grass and brush.

One of the locals lives close to the farm and has permission to shed hunt the property that the deer entered. This guy isn't a hunter, but loves looking for sheds. Few people go on the property, as the owner lives in CA and it isn't hunted, so this guy was the best chance.

Well, last weekend my buddy gets a text of a picture of his deer head and antlers. The local had found it about 70 yards from where they had last blood He was excited and glad that he would at least get the antlers and at least knew what happened to the deer. He asked the farmer about coming to get the head, but was told that the guy that found it was going to keep it and have it mounted. Basically, since he found it, he felt like it was his

They are still arguing over it and sounds like my buddy might get the deer back, but it is still up in the air.

So...who's deer is it?

The fella that found it has every right to keep it, but I sure couldn't do it.

Ok.... Just my opinion but if he knows who killed it he's a real jerk for keeping it period.

What Jared said!

Wow 70 yards? That would have to be sickening to be that close and not find it. I agree the guy that found it has the right to keep it but my conscience wouldn't let me.

Agree

Yep.

As a hunter I'd let the hunter have his deer.

For me, I would want the head, but it would be a little slap in the face every time I saw it.

Legally, I would say if the guy who found it wants it he has the legal claim to it for whatever that is worth.

Only a dirt bag would keep it

X2!!

Sad deal. Can happen to anyone though.

Why was the guy shed hunting now? Or was he involved in the recovery? They ought to shame him right out of town. That's downright dirty to do someone like that.

Do you have to burn a tag to claim the head?

Maybe he could get with the man that found it and offer to let him do some shed hunting next spring where he was hunting if he could see fit to return the antlers and head. Not saying he should have to, but maybe if he sweetened the pot for the guy that found it, he might change his mind.

Good question on legal end! I wouldn't think so though. I hear of people burning a tag is the lose a deer, that their choice but I wouldn't.

Had he found it on his own and already had it mounted with no idea who it belonged to, he should keep it. Other than that, why? It's not really yours (at least you didn't hunt it/kill it) and you know who killed the deer. Just give it back.

The hunter didn't kill the deer he just shot it, and not as well as he thought he did. When he gave up the search it becomes fair game.

Sums it up nicely. Stuff happens and people are weird sometimes.

Hunter needs to work on better shot placement and learn to track animals better. I have spent HOURS looking for a a deer when I have good blood. For it to be only 70 yards away from last blood spots, you should be able to find that deer.

The antler hunter has every right to it, but as a courtesy should give them to the hunter. I know I would. But as a hunter with this situation, it would be bitter sweet to have the antlers.

So the shed hunter finds the deer after the fact. Reports to the hunter and sends him the pics. Intends to keep the head and make a mount. Got it. Sooooo call the the shed hunter thank him for the find and make him an offer for the Euro mount. Probably what he is waiting for.

Thats like finding someones wallet and keeping it. He knows who they belong to and he should give them back. Sad someone would have the inclination to steal someones trophy. If he had no idea of the story and situation before hand then I could see him keeping them but he knew in advance and was asked to help. He was even given the hunters info! Meh... thats todays society for you. Good luck to your friend.

This is one of those cases where what is "legally required" and what the "the right thing to do" may not be the same. Your buddy needs to appeal to the man's sense of decency. He may not have one, in which case his last resort is to make a financial offer for the skull. Sucks. I hope your buddy gets him back!

I think the local shed hunter is showing his character if he tries to keep that deer. I know that we would not be friends after such an experience.

And, not trying to be an azz or Monday Morning Quarterback your buddy, but are there any blood tracking dogs in Kansas? If so, that should have been an easy track for a dog. Maybe find a contact and keep for the future.

Put it on Ebay and the shooter can buy it

That's a joke.

Its a no brainer.....ya give it back to the shooter. Its just a deer head