What action should be taken if you harvest a deer that is diseased?

When you harvest a deer that is diseased, the proper action is to report it to the local wildlife authority. This is crucial because diseased animals can pose a risk not only to the ecosystem but also to human health. Reporting the incident helps wildlife officials monitor and manage wildlife diseases, enabling them to take necessary actions to protect both animal populations and public health.

Wildlife authorities may then conduct tests to determine the nature of the disease, assess its prevalence in the area, and potentially implement measures to prevent the spread. This reporting process is an essential part of wildlife management and disease control efforts.

The other choices do not address the appropriate response to a diseased animal. Cooking the meat thoroughly may not eliminate all pathogens and could still pose a health risk. Freezing the meat does not address the underlying issue and may lead to further contamination or exposure if others come into contact with it. Leaving the deer for scavengers can spread the disease further and exacerbate any health-related risks associated with the condition.