Missouri Men Charged After Headless Deer Carcasses Found Abandoned Along Road
SHANNON COUNTY, Mo. — Three men have been charged following the discovery of a wildlife poaching incident involving three headless deer carcasses found discarded on a county road earlier this month.
Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) agents initiated an investigation on September 1, 2025, after the carcasses were located along County Road 651. The deer, all antlered bucks, had their heads removed, which is illegal as deer heads are often retained to verify antler measurements or to comply with wildlife regulations.
Photographs posted on social media showed the three mule deer and several individuals posing near a light-colored vehicle. Conservation officers used these images to identify the scene and obtain a search warrant for 29-year-old Blaine T. Lawson.
During the search, Lawson reportedly admitted, “I can’t change what I have done,” before leading officers to a shed containing 12 deer heads, including the three from the photographs, one wild turkey beard, a .308 rifle, and a cooler with six deer tenderloins.
Legal Charges and Investigation Outcomes
- Blaine T. Lawson is charged with:
- Illegal possession or transportation of deer or deer parts
- Wanton waste of wildlife for abandoning edible portions of three deer
- Taking deer during the closed hunting season
- Stanley Stricklin and Austin Duncan face charges for illegal possession or transportation of deer or parts. Both admitted to posing in photos with the animals.
The investigation began when an informant sent screenshots of the social media posts to the MDC, linking the images to Lawson’s residence. Corporal Brad Hadley of the Conservation Agent unit noted Lawson had a prior history with similar wildlife violations in the preceding year.
Court appearances are scheduled for Lawson and Duncan on November 18, with Stricklin’s date still pending.
Wildlife Expert Commentary
Removing deer heads and abandoning meat is not only illegal but disrupts critical wildlife management practices. Antler measurements from deer heads help determine population health and the impact of hunting regulations in various habitats.
The wanton waste charge reflects the ethical implications of not utilizing edible meat, which is vital for sustainable hunting and conservation practices. Such behavior damages trust between hunters and wildlife agencies dedicated to responsible stewardship.
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), common in Missouri and surrounding regions, are a species managed carefully through regulated hunting seasons to maintain population balance and habitat integrity.
Public Role and MDC Statement
The Missouri Department of Conservation emphasized the importance of citizen vigilance in protecting wildlife resources. “Public cooperation is essential in enforcing laws that preserve our natural heritage,” the MDC stated.
Individuals with information on wildlife violations are encouraged to contact local conservation agents or call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-392-1111.
Additional reporting and sources from: Missouri men charged for headless deer dumped on roadClose Modal
