Tick Free MV, the local nonprofit dedicated to reducing tick-borne illnesses on the Island, announced on Thursday that it would underwrite the cost of deer carcass disposal for hunters at the Martha’s Vineyard Refuse Disposal facility in Edgartown.
The decision comes after a series of listening sessions in which hunters lamented the lack of options for carcass disposal on the Island.
“It’s always gratifying but often not easy to identify a problem and find a simple solution,” said Virginia Barbatti, Tick Free MV’s executive director. “We heard repeatedly from hunters about the lack of options for carcass disposal here. This is what open dialogue is all about – seeing where we can add value and finding a way forward.”
Tick Free MV stated that prior to disposal, hunters must place the carcass in a heavy contractor bag, and must sign a slip at the weigh-in station allowing Tick Free MV and the refuse district to maintain their disposal records.
This season, the organization has also been offering hunters $150 per doe and $100 per buck donated to the Hunters Share the Harvest Program, which distributes venison to the Island Grown Initiative and the food equity network.
Tick Free MV encouraged hunters seeking more information to reach out to program coordinator, Blake Wasson at blake@tickfreemv.org.
Hunters and non hunters thank you! This is such a win win for the community.