New York State is spending millions of dollars on contracts to remove deer carcasses from roads and highways, despite the existence of a local program that offers the service for free and donates the venison to those in need.
The state has entered into five-year contracts totaling over $1.4 million for deer carcass removal in several counties, including Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming, Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans.
Republican Assemblyman Scott Bendett expressed surprise at the expenditure.
“I find that to be fascinating that we’re spending so much money on removing deer carcasses,” said Asm. Scott Bendett, (R) Averill Park. “I’m quite surprised that it’s a million dollars of deer out there.”
In contrast, Fulton and Montgomery counties have implemented a volunteer-based program called Venison for Veterans, founded by Tom Georgia. The initiative involves volunteers collecting deer carcasses, which are then processed by butchers and distributed to veterans and seniors at no cost to taxpayers.
“Once they call me or my partner, Don Wicksl, one of us will go pick it up. We’re usually within 20 minutes or 30 minutes of picking it up,” Georgia said.
The program is funded entirely by donations, which include an annual distribution event at Fulton Montgomery Community College.
“Everything is saving taxpayers money. It’s all about a good feeling,” Georgia said.
CBS6 asked New York State for an explanation of the hefty deer removal contracts. We’d like to know why local DPW crews can’t pick up deer as part of their duties, as is done in some counties, or why there can’t be a volunteer “venison for veterans” program across the state.
We have not heard back.