How to Properly Dispose of Dead Animals

When it comes to disposing of dead animals, specifically those animals obtained ­through hunting methods, there are typically four methods to consider: landfills, burial, composting and cremation. When you're weighing your options, you should consider your nearby surroundings. For example, is there a solid waste landfill nearby? Are you far enough away from sources of water? What time of year is it? Do you know of a local composting site?

­The first method you might choose is placing the remains in a landfill. It might cost you to take your carcass or inedible parts to a landfill, so it's important to call your local facility ahead of time to check.

Another way to dispose of dead animals is simply by burying the remains. Burial is economical and easy, but it requires some planning. You want to avoid burying the animal near any water source or an area that's prone to flooding. If the private property is not your own, make sure to check with the owner before breaking ground.

Composting an animal can only be performed in certain areas, so if you choose this option, you would have to look into the regulations affecting your location. There are usually composting sites that handle slaughterhouse remains if you aren't able to create one yourself [source: Hunting for Tomorrow].

Cremation, also known as burning or incineration, is a means of disposing of dead animals that costs money, but it also eliminates any worry you might have about contaminating other species, nearby water or humans.

Read on to learn about why it's important to dispose of dead animals properly.

Properly disposing of dead animals is important for many reasons, including your health, wealth and the well-being of surrounding animals. In addition, when an animal is properly disposed of citizens who don't hunt have less to critique since they aren't bothered by the sight or smell of the carcass. Since hunters tend to be in the minority of any given state's population, it's crucial to keep up po­sitive relationships with other citizens.

Your health is a major factor when calculating the importance of proper disposal of dead animals. You don't want the animal's remains to spread any diseases to you through direct contact, nor do you want the remains to leach out diseases through the ground. That's why you want to wear gloves when handling the animal directly, and once you choose a method of disposal, make sure it won't leach out diseases into the local water source.

­Your wealth is another factor to take seriously when you are weighing the best disposal method. Though some sanctioned ways of getting rid of dead animals do cost money, it's in the best interest of your wallet to use those rather than dumping the remains illegally. Such unacceptable methods would result in a fine if you were caught by authorities.

Since you appreciate the natural world, it's important to consider the well-being of living animals when you are choosing a method of disposal. For instance, if you bury an animal, make sure vultures can't get to it, especially if the animal was at risk for a disease. You wouldn't want to infect any innocent animals.

Now you're equipped with the basic knowledge of what methods are acceptable when disposing of a dead animal and the importance of properly using those methods. Happy hunting!