Game Meat Recovery for WDFW
At the December, 2007 RRGC Board Meeting, WDFW Enforcement Sgt.Gene Beireis asked whether the Club would be interested in helping recovery of meat from game animals that were involved in accidents on the highways around the Tri-City area. The Club would need to gut, skin, haul, cut and deliver the meat to organizations that helped needy families in the area.
The Board agreed to assist WDFW with this project and Mike Estes volunteered to pursue the recovery project. Mike established a team of volunteers, set up a call system for volunteers, and made arrangement with the Union Gospel Mission to receive the meat. The following discusses the actions taken by the Club to recover meat from game animals: (The most recent are listed first).
Events #113 &114 October 2020
Chris Mosher is still looking into different avenues for the game recoveries. The deer and elk from last month were donated to the Hope Church in Walla Walla. Chris also received calls and picked up two more deer; one on 10-18-20 and one on 10-19-20. Those two were also destined for the Hope Church’s Foodbank. 10-27-20 Richard Sharp received a call about a bull elk that was hit on highway 240 and forwarded the info to Packy and Shannon Lackey for recovery. They met with the person involved in the wreck and other than the antlers that broke off in the door of the full-size Toyota pickup; the person involved did not wish to keep anything off the animal. This meat will also be donated out.
Event #112 September 8, 2020
Larry Martin assisted Chris Mosher with an illegally shot elk on September 8th. Chris was contacted by Officer Horn with WDFW and due to the butcher shop being too busy to process the meat and package it for them. Chris and Larry had to store the meat until a later date. This brought up discussion once again, about the state health department mandates on wild meat and a couple of our Board Members will be looking into some other avenues for us to be able to process the meat. Over the years the rules have changed and although it is getting frustrating to be able to donate these recoveries, we need to remember; it is for the greater good. That was meat that was going to be wasted and the club was able to process, package and donate it to those in need.
Event #111 April 22, 2020
Chris Mosher was able to receive a deer via kill permit. He de-boned and delivered 45 lbs of meat to Bryans Butcher block to be processed. He delivered the meat May 4th to the Union Gospel Mission which was once again happy.
Event #110 January 15th 2020
Don Hand called about a moose calf on Touchet N Rd. and Larry Martin and Paul Kison went out and processed
that fully to donate. If you would like to help with game recovery contact Chris at 302-5171.
Event #109 January 7th 2020
A mule deer was hit down at the Richland Wye. Chris Mosher went and processed and donated it to the mission. If you would like to help with game recovery contact Chris at 302-5171.
Both of the January 2020 donations were met with the same aloofness as the December donation from the Tri-Cities Union Gospel Mission. Chris is still working on finding out whether or not they will eventually accept our fresh meat donations that don’t have USDA labels and frostbite. We know it is frustrating to spend hours volunteering to process and bag meat, just to question whether or not it is making it to the pan or garbage. This recovery program was started so that people in need could be fed. That won’t stop us from trying, but we may need to look into some other avenues to donate to the truly needy and talk with our WDFW Officers to see who else might be willing to accept donations for the masses. If you would like to help with game recovery contact Chris at 302-5171.
Event #108 Dec 8th 2019
Late in the evening the club received a call about a deer hit off of Columbia Park Trail and Leslie Rd. Officer Doss of Richland Police Department was trying to see to it that the Doe was recovered off the busy road and could possibly be harvested. He assisted Packy Lackey and Shannon Lackey with loading it into the truck for processing after Packy dispatched the deer. Unfortunately, due to a new policy that we were unaware of at the Union Gospel Mission we were not able to donate the 70+ lbs. of meat. With the time frame coming up on the 24 hr. mark with the roadkill, we ended up getting a salvage permit and donated the meat to the club rather than letting it waste. In the coming weeks and months, we will be trying to work out a new agreement with the Union Gospel Mission and if nothing else we will donate elsewhere to other needy families. If you would like to help with game recovery contact Chris at 302-5171.
Event #107, October 11th, 2019
As Shannon, Packy, Harley and Dakota were dropping off the mornings Doe meat at the Mission in Pasco, they received a call from Chris Mosher that an illegally shot deer was waiting with a game warden for pickup in Burbank. It turned out to be a Mule Buck that did not have enough points for the area it was harvested in. Packy waited until fellow RRGC member Pete Workman and a new Hunter Ed Student- Duane Schulz were available to assist and learn while processing the deer. Ultimately they had another 55-60 lbs of great meat for the mission.
Event #106, October 12th, 2019
At 6 AM a Mule Doe was hit on Highway 240 and the kind WSP Trooper from the day before called again with another inquiry. Shannon and Packy Lackey along with Dakota Schmeider retrieved the deer before the tow truck could get to the scene. She was around three years old and was a real beauty. All great meat and no extensive damage. 60 lbs was harvested from her and donated to the mission.
Event #105, October 11th, 2019
Shannon and Packy Lackey were called out by Chris Mosher who had the call from WSP for an Elk that was hit on highway 240. They located it after a jaunt through the thick tumbleweeds where the trooper diligently put it. It turned out to be a small buttonless bull that had extensive damage to quite a bit of meat but they were able to recover 40 lbs of meat that was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco. Harley Schuette was a huge help! She had all the bags and knives out and the dining room table sterilized and plastic tarps down for us by the time we made it home with the bull!
Event #104, June 3rd, 2019
Sunday 6-3-19 Larry Martin was called at about 5:30am to retrieve a deer that was taken with a kill permit. Cody McMillan delivered the deer to Larry’s house and also helped de-bone the carcass. Forty to fifty pounds of meat was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission Pasco.
Event #103, April 28th, 2019
April 28th 2019, Chris Mosher recieved a call from Sgt. Fulton about a cow elk that had been hit on Hiway 240 near Snively Rd. Chris took the call and deboned the elk on the spot with the help of Sgt. Fulton and club member Jason Niehbur. The elk was deboned in about 40 minutes. They then took the 175lbs of high quality meat to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco.
Event #102, November 19, 2018
On November 19, 2018 at about 1:45 PM WDFW Officer Fulton confiscated a mule deer doe carcass (dressed and skinned) from a hunter who self-reported that he shot a mule deer doe thinking it was a white tail doe for which a had a tag. The officer brought the deer to the house of RRGC member Paul Kison who delivered approximately 50 pounds of boned meat to the Union Gospel Mission on 11/19/2018.
Event #101, October 18 -26, 2018
On October 18th at about 7:00pm Chris Mosher received a call from WDFW Officer Horn about an illegally shot mule doe. Officer Horn delivered the doe to his house around 8:15pm. Chris deboned and put the meat in the freezer as he had to work all weekend. On October 26th Chris delivered 41 pounds of frozen meat to the mission.
Event #100 – October 20, 2018
On 10-20-18 Saturday morning Larry Martin got a call from WDFW Officer John Horn about an illegally killed deer that was confiscated. John brought the deer to Larry’s house for meat salvage. Approximately 40 lbs. of meat was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission Pasco. The people at the mission were very appreciative.
Event #99 – October 17, 2018
On Wednesday 10-17-2018, WDFW Police Officer Jon Horn recovered a 2x2 Mule deer buck from a hunter near Starbuck. The hunter mistook a piece of dried skin (velvet) hanging from an antler as an additional antler point. The hunter self-reported the mistake and gutted and skinned the deer. Mike met Officer Horn near the Snake River bridge in Pasco and took possession of the deer. 52 pounds of de-boned venison was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco.
Event # 98– August 14, 2018
On 8-14-18 (6:45am) Larry Martin got a call from Washington State Patrol about a road kill deer on highway 240 mile post 22 near Snively Road. Larry found the mule deer doe along 240 after searching for a while. A patrolman came by as Larry pulled up to the deer and helped Larry load the deer into his truck so it could be moved to a safer place to extract the meat. Approximately 40 pounds of meat delivered to Union Gospel Mission Pasco.
Event # 97– July 1, 2018
Chris Mosher received a call on July 1, 2018 to recover a deer that was shot based on a kill permit issued by WDFW. The deer was a mule deer doe. Chris de-boned and delivered 22 lbs of quality meat to the Union Gospel Mission on the same day.
Event # 96 – June 5, 2018
On June 5, 2018 Larry Martin got a call from Benton County Sheriff Deputy Jacob Tansy about a deer he had to dispatch because of unknown injuries. The deer was a couple miles east of Dallas and Badger canyon road intersection alongside the canal on road 506 PR. It was a buck deer with unusual antlers.
Larry boned the deer out where it laid along the canal then Deputy Tansy and Larry disposed of the carcass nearby. Larry cut the unusual antlers from the animal and left a message with WDFW Sergeant Brian Fulton saying he has the antlers if Brian wants them. Larry delivered approximately 40 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission Pasco. The mission folks said they were going to use the meat for stew that evening. Benton County Sheriff case #18-08336.
Event # 95 - June 2, 2018
Chris Mosher received a call on June 2, 2018 at 8:30 am to recover a deer that was shot based on a kill permit. The deer was a whitetail buck probably about 2 years of age, with two antler points on each side. Chris de-boned and delivered 45 lbs of quality meat to the Union Gospel Mission around 9:15 am.
Event # 94 - May 19, 2018
Chris Mosher received a call on May 19, 2018 to pick up a mule deer buck from a hunter who shot the deer based on a kill permit issued by the WDFW. Chris recovered the deer around 11:30 am, de-boned and delivered 70 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #93 - November 25, 2017
Larry Martin got a call from WDFW Sgt. Brian Fulton on November 25 at 10:30 pm about 2 mule deer taken from a poacher. Brian brought the deer to Larry's house to be processed for delivery to the Pasco Union Gospel Mission. The deer were already gutted and the heads had been removed by the poacher. Larry stored the deer in a cool place outside until morning. The next morning John Prather and Larry de-boned the deer saving a little over 100 pounds of meat which was then delivered to the Mission.
Event # 92 - August 10, 2017
Mike Estes received a call from Richland Police Dispatch at 5:15 AM on August 10, 2017 about a mule deer doe that had been struck by a vehicle on Columbia Park Trail near the west end of Columbia Park. Mike arrived on the scene within about 20 minutes and was greeted by four police officers and a live deer whose spine had been broken in a collision with a Richland garbage truck. Mike asked why the deer had not been dispatched and the officers responded that the meat would be better if her throat was slit and she bled out completely. Mike dispatched the deer in one swipe with a sharp knife. Forty-one pounds of venison were chilled in Mike's freezer then delivered to the Union Gospel Mission by mid-morning.
Event #91 - June 14, 2017
A kill permit issued by Don Hand of WDFW on June 14th for a mule deer doe at the Pasco airport. Bob Scott processed the harvested deer and 35 pounds of meat was donated to the union gospel mission.
Event #90 - May 19, 2017
Chris Mosher received a call at about 8:50pm on 5/19/17 to pick up a deer. It was shot based on a kill permit issued by Don Hand of WDFW. Permit number (um-201704-11183-0). It was a 3-4 year old Whitetail doe. Chris de-boned and delivered 41 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission on 5/20/17 at approximatly 7:00 am.
Event #89 - January 9, 2017
On Monday January 9 at 11:30 am, Larry Marin got a call from WDFW Officer Kerry McLerran about a deer that was pulled from the icy Yakima river by Columbia Basin Dive and Rescue. The deer was successfully pulled from the river but was too far gone and died from hypothermia. Office McLerran said everyone involved was disappointed the deer didn't make it but Columbia Dive and Rescue personnel were glad to get the practice in ice filled cold water rescue. Officer McLerran brought the deer to Larry's house. Larry salvaged approximately 50 pounds of meat then delivered it to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco.
Event #87 - October 22, 2016
At 10:30am, October 22, Larry Martin got a call from WDFW Officer Rob McQuary about a illegally harvested 2 point buck, deer which had already been boned out except for front legs and shoulders. Larry met Officer McQuary at WDFW King City to get deer and then took it to his home to finish deboning. 30-40 pounds of meat delivered to Union Gospel Mission, Pasco.
Event #88 - November 27, 2016
Chris Mosher received a call at about 1:10 pm on November 27 from an individual that had a WDFW kill permit and was requesting assistance with meat recovery. Chris picked up a 2×3 mule deer buck with an estimated age of 2years old. He deboned and delivered approximately 70 lbs of meat to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #86 - October 21, 2016
Chris Mosher recieved a call from Officer Chad McGary on friday Oct 21and met him at the WDFW office in Pasco. He had an illegally shot 4×4 mule deer buck. Chris deboned the deer and delivered 73 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission around 3:00pm.
Event #85 -October 16, 2016
On October 16 at 11:30 am Larry Martin got a call from WDFW Officer Chad McGary about a deer he had taken from a hunter who self-reported shooting a two point buck thinking it was a legal three point. Officer McGary brought the deer to Larry's house. Larry deboned the deer and delivered about 50 lbs of meat to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #84 - October 15, 2016
Chris Mosher received a call from Sgt. Fulton on October 15 around 12:30pm about an illegally shot buck. Chris met Sgt. Fulton about 1:00 pm and picked up the White Tail buck for deboning. The age of the buck was around 1.5-2 years. Chris delivered the meat to the mission around 2:00 pm with an estimated weight of 45-50 lbs of good meat.
Event #83 - June 13, 2016
Larry Martin got a call from WDFW Sgt. Brian Fulton about an elk that had fallen in a canal near Clodfelter Rd in Kennewick. The elk had completely worn off its hoofs trying to get out of the canal and was put out of its misery. Brian took the elk to the WDFW headquarters at King city. Paul Kison, Mike Estes and Larry Martin met him there and deboned the elk on the tailgate of the pickup. Larry took approximately 200 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco.
Event # 82 - June 10, 2016
Chris Mosher received a call from West Richland Police Department on June 10th about a deer hit by vehicle at Harrington and Twin Bridges. Chris responded to the call and recovered a 2 yr old Whitetail buck. Chris deboned and delivered about 30 lbs of meat to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco
Event #80 - May 13, 2016
Larry Martin got a call from Washington State Patrol on May 13, 2016 about a deer hit by car on highway 82 west bound lane mile post 108 near Dallas road. WDFW officer Jon Horn was at the scene. The deer had stumbled a couple hundred yards off the road into a canyon where the WDFW officer put it out of its misery. Larry boned out deer there and took approximately 40 pounds of meat to Union Gospel Mission in Pasco.
Event #81 - May 18, 2016
Chris Mosher got a call from Scott Rasley WDFW Walla Walla on May 18, 2016 about a yearling calf moose hit by vehicle near Walla Walla. Scott brought the moose to the WDFW headquarters at King City. Paul Kison, Dave Myers and Larry Martin met Scott at WDFW facility and boned out the moose on the tailgate of Scotts truck and a table provided by WDFW. Larry took approximately 150 pounds of meat to Union Gospel Mission in Pasco.
Event #79 - March 22, 2016
Mike Estes received a call from the Richland Police dispatcher at 4:45 AM on March 22, 2016 that a deer had been struck by a vehicle in the eastbound lanes of I-182 on the Sam Volpentest bridge between Richland and Pasco. The injured yearling Mule Deer buck was dispatched by a police officer. Officers were still on scene waiting for a tow truck for the damaged vehicle when Mike arrived and helped load the deer in Mike’s truck. Forty-nine pounds of fresh venison was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #78 - November 20, 2015
WDFW Enforcement Officer Rob McQuary transferred a three-point mule deer buck to Mike Estes about 11:30 AM that was confiscated in north Franklin County on opening day of muzzleloader season due to a trespass issue. Officer McQuary removed the antlers. The deer was shot twice; one shot went through both front legs and the other went through the backstrap. Further, the hunter did not properly dress the animal. The esophagus was severed behind the heart and liver, the intestines were severed ahead of the pelvis, and the rectum was not removed; all of which made a huge mess. Forty-nine pounds of clean venison were salvaged and delivered to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #77 - November 14, 2015
On November 14, 2015 at 2:55 pm Washington State Patrol Dispatcher requested Paul Kison to respond to a downed deer in Franklin County on highway 395 at mile post 45 near the Mesa exit. Paul and Dave Myers responded to the site and processed the animal which was a small 4 point mule deer. Approximately 35 lbs. of meat was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission on November 15, 2015. The antlers were delivered to the WDFW office in Pasco.
Event # 76 - November 3, 2015
WDFW Officer B Fulton contacted Chris Mosher on November 3 to process a confiscated bull elk that was illegally taken by a hunter. Chris processed the elk and delivered about two hundred pounds of meat to the Union Gosel Mission in Pasco
Event #75 - November 3, 2015
On November 3, 2015 Larry Martin and Bob Scott were called to recover an elk which Don Hand, WDFW, found injured in a circle field near Horn Rapids south side of highway 240. Don dispatched the elk to put it out of its misery. The elk was a good sized bull and the antlers were taken by the WDFW. Bob, Larry and Don were able to recover approximately 200 pounds of meat that was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco. While processing the animal Don discovered the injury was a bullet wound
Event #73 - October 26, 2015
Mike Estes was contacted by WDFW Sgt. Brian Fulton that a raghorn bull elk had been illegally harvested by a hunter in north Franklin County who mistook it for a buck deer. Sgt. Fulton and Officer Chad McGary delivered the skinned elk to Mikes home about 4:45 PM. Mike deboned and bagged the meat and placed it in ice chests with plenty of ice to cool and store it overnight. About 220 pounds of meat was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission the following morning.
Event #71 - October 24, 2015
Mike Estes received a call from WDFW Officer Chad McGary Saturday morning that he had confiscated a large mule deer buck from a hunter in north Franklin County due to a trespass issue. Officer McGary delivered the 5x6 buck to Mikes home shortly after noon. The antlers were removed and McGary took them with him when he left. Mike skinned and deboned the deer and delivered 123 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #74 - October 31, 2015
Chris Mosher received a call at 12:15pm from WDFW Officer McLerron requesting assistance processing a 400 pound cow elk which had already been gutted. Chris picked up the elk at the WDFW shop in Pasco, deboned the meat and delivered about 150 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco. One hind quarter was not salvageable due to blood shot meat from a broken bone.
Event #72 - October 24, 2015
Chris Mosher received a call at 12:15pm from the WDFW requesting assistance to process a 100 pound Mule deer buck which had already been gutted and was at the WDFW shop at Pasco. The antlers had been removed before pickup. Chris deboned the meat and delivered about 48 pounds of meet to the Union Gospel mission in Pasco.
Event #70 - October 19, 2015
John Prather was contacted by Sgt. Brian Fulton who requested assistance in processing a 2 point Mule deer that had been taken illegally. Sgt. Fulton removed the antlers and then delivered the deer to John for processing. John gutted and skinned the deer and then deboned the meat. He delivered about 50 lbs of meat to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #68 and #69 - October 17, 2015
Chris Mosher was contacted by WDFW who request assistance in processing two deer that were taken illegally. The first was a Mule deer buck that was shot and gutted at the time of pickup. The antlers were removed before the deer was delivered to Chris for processing. The second deer was a doe and it was delivered to Chris intact so he had to gut, skin, and debone the animal. The meat from both deer (about 100 lbs total) was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission by 5:15 pm.
Event #67 - October, 5, 2015
Mike Estes received calls from three people on Oct. 5, 2015 about a deer that had been struck by a car on Twin Bridges Road in West Richland. He was unable to respond at the time and other Game Recovery team members were unavailable. Mike was notified that a WDFW official was on his way to the accident scene. The WDFW official agreed to deliver the 2x2 mule deer buck to Mike's home after removing the antlers. Mike processed the animal and delivered the salvaged meat to the Union Gospel Mission by about 1:00 PM.
As a side note, the carcass looked good from the outside but unfortunately it was struck in the hindquarters and ruined all of the meat in both rear legs. Mike was still able to remover about 65 pounds of good meat from the animal.
Event #66 - September 29, 2015
Larry Martin was called by WDFW Officer Chad McGary who requested a recovery for a 6X6 bull elk that was gored to death by another bull. A local farmer watched the fight and saw the bull die. The farmer called the WDFW after he gutted and skinned the animal. Officer McGary took the elk to Larry Martin's home where Larry and Jim Cartmel boned out the elk and delivered approximately 300 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission. The WDFW officer returned to Larry's house and took the bones away for disposal.
Event #65 - September 21, 2015
Larry Martin was called at 6:50 AM by the Washington State Patrol to request a recovery for a 5X6 bull elk that was hit by a car on Highway 12 at milepost 298. Larry and Paul Kisen reported to the scene and the State Patrol showed them where the elk was in the highway median. WDFW officers Rob McQuary and Chad McGary arrived on scene, reviewed the situation and removed the antlers. Approximately 250 pounds of meat was recovered and taken to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #64 - August, 2015
Chris Mosher reported that one 4x5 bull elk was recovered near Othello. The bull died after exhausting itself while tangled in hay tarps and ropes. Chris was able to debone the carcass and deliver approximately 500 pound of meat to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco.
Event #63 - May 22, 2015
A damage control permit was issued to Dean Detherall by Don Hand. Dean shot the deer as it was munching on juvenile grape plants and delivered the dressed and skinned deer to Dave Myers' home. Dave deboned the deer, finished cleaning up and then delivered the cuts to the Union Gospel Mission. Dave got the deer about 11:30 am on May 22, 2015 and had it to the mission about 2:30 pm. It was probably about 50+/- pounds of meat. According to the paperwork provided by Dean, it was a doe, probably about 2 yrs old, very good shape with quite a bit of fat on her. Dave called Don Hand, reported the status and mailed the paperwork to him.
Event #62 - December 28, 2014
Larry Martin received a call Sunday night by the Richland Police Department dispatch regarding a two point mule deer hit by a car on Leslie Road. Dave Myers, Larry's grandson Bryce, and Larry picked up the deer and took it to a safer location for field dressing. Larry took the meat to his home to bone out the next day. About 30-35 pounds of meat was delivered to the Gospel Mission in Pasco.
Event #61 - October 28, 2014
At 4:00 am Tuesday 10-28-2014 Larry Martin got a call from Washington State Patrol dispatch about a doe Mule deer killed by a car on highway 82 mile post 6 in east bound lane. Larry responded to the scene, quartered the deer using the headlights of his truck. Larry was back home at 6:00 am finished deboning the quarters and took approximately 50 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco.
Event #60 - September 23, 2014
The morning of Tuesday 9-23-2014 Larry Martin got a call from WDFW Officer Chad McGary about a spike deer that appeared hurt and wandering around an orchardist property near Ringold. Officer McGary was going to dispatch the suffering animal and gut it while Larry headed to the scene with equipment to debone the deer for meat recovery. When Larry got there Officer McGary had the dispatched deer in the back of his pickup because the farmer didn't want the deer gutted on his property, Larry noticed the deer was quite thin and seemed generally unhealthy, after opening the skin for inspection it was obvious it was not fit for consumption and was driven to an area out of the way where no one would bother it and left for scavengers.
Event #59 - September 19, 2014
The morning of Friday 9-19-2014 Larry Martin got a call from Sgt. Brian Fulton with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) about an elk that had fallen into a cement sided irrigation canal near Eltopia. The WDFW tried to help the elk out of the canal but the situation was potentially very dangerous for personnel. Sgt. Fulton asked if RR&GC could be prepared to salvage the meat for the Union Gospel Mission if the elk could not be successfully removed from the canal alive. The WDFW shot the elk as it neared a syphon that would carry it under highway 395 and be miserably drowned. The elk went through the syphon and came out in a smaller part of the canal system where WDFW personnel were able to recover the animal. Larry Martin, Bob Kolowith and Bruce Wade responded to the scene to recover meat for the Mission. The irrigation district had a large piece of equipment at the scene that was able to lift the elk into the air which made the skinning an boning much easier. Approximately 300 pounds of very clean and good meat was delivered to the Mission in Pasco, the people at the Mission seemed very appreciative. The elk was a very large 3x3 bull.
Event #58 - July 2, 2014
On July 2 the Club's recovery team was notified by a private party that an elk was down on Highway 240 west of the ORV Park. The animal appeared to have been hit by a large vehicle, as it looked to have been slid or dragged for a ways. Its leg was broken, one antler tip broken, as well as jaw; one rear quarter was severely bloodshot. At 7:30am Dave Myers responded to the scene and field dressed the animal. The meat was taken to the Union Gospel Mission and the antlers were taken to the WDFW.
Event #57 - April 25, 2014
Around 9:30am Larry Martin got a call from Sgt. Brian Fulton with the WDFW. He said there was a bull elk hit by a car on the east bound lane of I-82 at the Dallas Road exit. He said it looked salvageable and asked if our crew could come and salvage the meat for the Mission. He also said that the Department of Transportation was at the scene. Brian was told the RRGClub would come and get the elk. Larry called Jim Cartmell who said he would help and Chris Mosher called saying he heard about the elk and would meet them at the scene. The bull was quite large with small nubbins for antlers which were just beginning new growth. The Department of Transportation employee parked his large truck with yellow flashing lights a ways behind the team's vehicles to protect them as they worked at the shoulder of the road. The RRGC team made pretty short work of boning out the elk and putting the meat in bags. When they were finished the DOT employee helped them drag the carcass down over the embankment. The team took approximately 200 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission around noon
Event #56 - March 18, 2014
At 7:30 am on March 18, Richard Sharp, RRGClub, saw a downed deer on the East bound on-ramp to HY 240 at Steptoe/Columbia Trail in Richland. Richard called Larry Martin who contacted Bruce Wade to conduct the recovery. The Highway patrol was aware of the downed deer and had already contacted the DOT to remove it. Bruce had that request cancelled and proceeded to field dress the adult doe Mule deer with assistance from Lavera Wade. The meat was deboned and delivered to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco at 10:30 am on 3/18/14.
Event # 55 - February 14, 2014
Chris Mosher received a call at 9:30 am on February 14, 2014 from a Richland Rod & Gun Club member that reported a mature Whitetail doe was down near Burbank, WA. Chris and Mark Mansell responded to the scene which was 1 ½ miles south of the Highway 12 bridge. They gutted, skinned, and deboned the deer and delivered the meat to the Union Gospel Mission on February 14.
Event # 54 - December 5, 2013
Jack Pickard received a call in the early afternoon of December 5, 2013 from a Benton County employee about two deer that were struck by a vehicle on Demoss Road near Benton City. One deer survived the accident but was severely injured and was dispatched by a Benton County Sheriff's deputy. Jack called Mike Estes and arranged for the animals to be delivered to Mike's house. The larger deer, a young mule deer buck without antlers, was severely damaged from the accident and only meat from parts of two legs and one backstrap could be salvaged. The second deer, a female mule deer fawn, had damage to both hind legs. Mike gutted, skinned, and deboned the two deer and delivered the meat to the Union Gospel Mission on December 6
Event # 53 - November 20, 2013
A private citizen with knowledge of RR&GC game recovery activates and the WDFW Enforcement personnel notified Paul Kison on November 20, 2013 at 11:35 AM to pick up a deer at WDFW Headquarters in Pasco. The deer had been confiscated by WDFW personnel from a muzzleloader hunter. The deer was a two point buck with average body size had been field dressed by hunter prior to being confiscated. The meat was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission on 11/21/13. The antlers were removed by WDFW personnel prior to pick up.
Event #52 - November 4, 2013
Larry Martin got a call from WDFW officer Brian Fulton 11-4-13 at 5:15 pm about an elk being hit by a car west of Richland on highway 240 mile post 11. Brian was on his way out to the elk when he called and said he would remain there at the scene to help if needed. He also mentioned the elk was still alive and they would put it out of its misery. Larry called Bob Kolowith and they got to the elk at about 6:20pm. There were 4 WDFW people at the scene including Don Hand and they had already gutted the 6 point bull so it made Larry & Bob's work pretty easy. The officers sawed off the antlers and then they helped load the whole animal into the bed of Larry's truck. Bob and Larry took the elk to Larry's house to skin, quarter and let it cool over night. The next morning Bob and Larry boned out the elk and delivered the meat to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco. They were able to save all of the meat of three legs plus the back strap. The meat turned out very good and clean. The Mission was pretty happy to receive meat and planned to make elk stew. The Club's team put in about 20 volunteer hours to recover this meat.
Event #51 - October 25, 2013
On October 25, 2013 at 3:45 PM Brian Fulton. WDFW called Paul Kison for recovery assistance for a young mule deer doe that was injured in Badger Canyon, southeast of the intersection of Dallas Road and Badger Road in the pasture of a private residence. The deer had injured her right front shoulder either entering or exiting the pasture area of the Badger Canyon residence. She was unable to get to her feet and was dispatched in the pasture. Paul Kison and Dave Myers responded to the scene and the resident provided his tractor with a bucket to move the deer from the pasture to the back of Pauls pickup. With this help, Paul indicated that it was his easiest recovery to date. Approximately 45 lbs of boned meat was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission on October 26, 2013.
Event #50 - August 20, 2013
Mike Estes received a call from a citizen who saw a deer get struck by a vehicle on Highway 12 about one mile south of the Snake River Bridge in Walla Walla County at about 12:20 PM. The four point whitetail buck was killed by the impact. Mike contacted Paul Kison who was able to respond immediately to recover the meat. One hind quarter and loin were severely damaged and unsalvageable but Paul deboned the remainder of the animal and delivered the meat to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco at 3:45 PM. Paul noted that even though he arrived at the recovery site about an hour after the accident, the meat in the portion of the deer that was laying on asphalt was already partially "cooked" by the heat of the road surface. Fortunately, the damaged side of the deer was on the pavement and no additional meat was lost.
Event #49 - April 21, 2013
While turkey hunting early Sunday morning in Columbia County, Chris Mosher spotted a mature whitetail female deer entangled in a fence. Chris freed the deer from the fence but noticed that it was seriously injured. He contacted various individuals and agencies and a Columbia County sheriff's deputy responded to dispatch the injured animal. Chris dressed and de-boned the deer and delivered the meat to the Union Gospel Mission later the same day. Thanks to Chris for taking the time and effort to try to assist the animal and then for going the extra mile to recover the meat when it became obvious that the deer could not be saved.
Event #48 - February 15, 2013
On February 15, 2013 at 4:00 PM Lyle Gilk received a call from Richland Dispatch Center that Benton County Sheriffs Department needed assisted with a deer on Highway 240. It was in Benton County approximately 34 mile from 1506 Rimrock Avenue, Richland WA. The deer was located 30 feet from center of Highway 240 in the ditch. Deputy Clark was at the scene and the deer was alive when Clark arrived. He stated that the deer tried to move away and he dispatched it. The deer had been hit by some type of vehicle and was bruise to a great extent. It was a mature buck, no antlers, and weighed about 180 pounds. Lyle picked up the deer and processed it at his residence. The recovered meat, estimated at about 40 pounds, was put on ice and delivered to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco.
Event # 47 - January 22, 2013
On Tuesday , January 22, 2013 at about 6:15 pm Larry Martin got a call from Franklin County Sheriff dispatch about a deer hit by a vehicle. This deer was out by Connell on highway 260 at mile post 6. Larry and Don Smith went out and found it without much trouble. The deer was a three point buck, it was severely damaged from the impact but looked like there was salvageable meat. The area didn't seem safe to work on the animal there so Don and Larry put the whole deer in the back of Larry's pickup without gutting it. When Larry got home he boned it out saving what meat he could. Larry asked Paul Kison to transport the meat to the Union Gospel Mission which was done on January 23.
Event # 46 - January 18, 2013
On January 18, 2013 the Pasco Dispatch called Bruce Wade at 9:00 pm and requested assistance to recover a yearling mule deer that was hit by a vehicle on Highway 260 about 2 miles east of Kahlotus. Bruce Wade and Paul Kison responded to the event. Pasco Dispatch said deer was still alive and in the road but the deer was dead upon arrival of the team. Both hind legs were broken and one ham had 30 percent damage. Bruce and Paul quartered and removed backstraps. Bruce boned it the next day and delivered the meat to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #45 - October 29, 2012
On October 29, 2012 Bruce Wade, Paul Kison, and Mike Estes went on an elk recovery with USFWS officer Richard Bare. It was a 7x5 bull elk near Wallula that appeared to be injured or wounded. After Officer Bare dispatched it, the response team learned that it had a severely malformed rear hoof that was badly infected. The animal appeared to be malnourished. The team decided not to salvage the meat due to concerns about how far the infection may have spread through the meat. The head was removed and the antlers were retained by Officer Bare. The photo shows Bruce Wade and the elk's head.
Event #44 - October 26, 2012
Mike Estes received a call the evening of October 26 that USFWS Enforcement Officer Richard Bare had confiscated an illegally harvested two-point mule deer buck near Patterson Slough in Benton County. Mike took possession of the deer from Officer Bare at a location south of Kennewick. Mike processed the deer and delivered the deboned meat to the Union Gospel Mission. Officer Bare retained the antlers and other confiscated materials as evidence.
Events #40, 41, 42, and 43 - October 20, 21, & 23, 2012
On October 20, 2012 Lyle Gilk received calls from WA State Patrol Dispatch and one from Regional Dispatch asking if he could accept a deer that had been illegally shot. Lyle was told that the animal was being returned to the Tri-Cities by Officer John Horn. Immediately after Lyle got off the phone with Officer Horn he received a second call from WA State Dispatch that Officer Mclerran also had an illegally shot. Both deer were brought to Lyle's house for processing. Larry Martin and Bruce Wade assisted in skinning and deboning the meat.
On October 21, 2012 Lyle was contacted by Officer Brain Fulton, who stated that he had an illegally shot deer and Officer Fulton dropped the animal off at Lyle's house. Bruce Wade assisted with meat preparation.
On October 23, 2012 Regional Dispatch contacted Lyle and request assistant with a deer on Plymouth highway in Paterson, WA. The dispatcher stated that the deer was still alive. Lyle agreed to take the deer if Benton County Deputy Jason Erickson would stand-by until he got there. Lyle responded and picked up the deer 8 miles north of Plymouth. The deer was processed with the assistants of Bruce Wade.
All four deer were in prime condition and estimated weight of meat delivered to the Union Gospel Mission was 210 pounds of deboned meat. Thanks to Larry
Marin, Bruce Wade, and Rod & Gun Club members, for their help. Also
thanks to the Washington State Department of Fish and Game for their
cooperation in bringing the deer to Lyle's house.
Event #39 - October 19, 2012
Mike Estes received a call from WSP Dispatch at 9:25 PM on Friday, October 19, that WDFW Enforcement Officer Kerry McLerran had confiscated an illegally harvested two-point mule deer buck near Lyons Ferry. Mike met Officer McLerran at the District 4 office in Pasco to transfer the deer. Mike processed the deer and delivered more than 50 pounds of deboned meat to the Union Gospel Mission. Arrangements will be made with Officer McLerran to transfer the antlers to WDFW.
Event #37 - September 14, 2012
Mike Estes was contacted by WDFW Enforcement Officer Brian Fulton during the afternoon of September 14, 2012 requesting assistance with a buck mule deer fawn. The fawn was found in the possession of a person who was not authorized to possess wildlife. WDFW attempted to place the fawn with a wildlife sanctuary but they were not successful so a decision was made to dispatch the fawn. Officer John Horn transferred the carcass to Mike who processed the deer and took the meat to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #38 - October 13, 2012
Paul Kison was contacted by Brian Fulton of WDFW on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 3:30 PM and requested a recovery of a two point mule deer buck located near Kahlotus highway near Dalton Lake/Big Flat . Brian indicated that the two-point buck had obviously been poached and left in the field because of the three-point minimum requirement in Franklin County. A local farmer found the deer in the early PM and contacted Brian. Brian and the farmer had gutted the deer to preserve the meat. Brian removed the antlers prior to transfer of the animal. Paul Kison boned out the meat and transported it to the Union Gospel Mission in the AM of October 14, 2012.
Event #36 - August 4, 2012
Paul Kison received a call from the Franklin County Sheriff's office at 10:30 PM on August 4, 2012 about a 2-point mule deer buck that had been struck by a vehicle. Paul contacted Larry Martin for assistance and they responded to the recovery location one and a half miles east of North Glade Road on Ironwood Road (about a mile west of Clark Pond) in Franklin County. An officer dispatched the injured deer. Paul and Larry dressed the deer and delivered the de-boned meat to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco. The antlers were transferred to WDFW employee Don Hand.
Event #35 - June 17, 2012
At 11:30 AM on 17 June 2012 Lyle Gilk received a call from Richard Bare L/E Officer for the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He asked Lyle if he was available to process a deer. Lyle said was and asked him were the pick-up would be and what kind of shape the animals was in. He stated the animals was still alive and he needed to shoot the animals as it was entangle in the top of a eight foot deer proof fence. The deer was caught in game fence on Missionary Ridge in Burbank, WA. The Officer stated that they would meet at the Headquarters building for the Mac Nary Wildlife area. He had been kind enough to field dress the Deer (Doe) .The deer was hung up on a hoist at the maintenance facility. Lyle skinned the deer and boned it out. The meat was transport to the Union Gospel Mission, Pasco,Wa in coolers with ice. Officer Bare took the carcass and stated that the coyotes would have a feast.
Event #34 - May 18, 2012
A call was received from WSP Dispatch about 5:00 PM on May 18 that a mature mule deer doe had been struck by a vehicle in Richland. WDFW Enforcement Officer Brian Fulton dispatched the deer. Bruce Wade of the RRGC Game Recovery team met Officer Fulton at Columbia Point Park and transported the deer to Gaylord Pyle's place. The deer was dressed and deboned and delivered to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco later that evening. Thanks to Bruce and Gaylord for their efforts!
Event #33 - April 11, 2012
At 11:10 PM, April 11, 2012 Lyle Gilk received a call from State Police Dispatch , requesting a recovery of an Elk 4 miles east of Burbank, WA. on Highway 124 Walla County. Paul Kison, Larry Martin and Lyle Gilk recovered the 4 year old Bull Elk. The elk was skinned and quarter road side. The meat was transferred to Wagland Meats, Basin City, WA. With final delivery to The Union Gospel Mission. Three hours on recovery at site.
Note: McClure meats has been sold and is now operated by Wagland Meats. Wagland does not have a contract with the Union Gospel Mission
Event #32 - January 16, 2012
On January 16, 2012 at 7:25 am the Richland Police Department notified Lyle Gilk that a young Mule deer was down near the Columbia Trail & Steptoe roundabout. Lyle and Gaylord Pyle responded and field dressed the deer. The meat was in good condition and the cause of death could not be determined. The meat was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #31 - November 25, 2011
On 25 November 2011 at 1200 pm, B. Fulton, WDF&G, contacted Lyle Gilk and said he had a Mule deer doe that was recovered on arrest that had been made. He stated that the deer had been field dressed. An arrangement was made to meet Fulton at the inter-section of Highway 12 and Commercial Ave. Pasco, WA. Lyle met Fulton at 1:05 pm and picked up the deer. Arrangements had also been made to use Gaylord's garage. Lyle skinned, deboned and delivered 40 pounds of meat to the Union Gospel Mission at 6:50 pm, 25 November 2011.
Event #30 - November 20, 2011
On 20 Nov 2011, at 7:10 pm, K. McLerran, WDF&G. contacted Lyle Gilk and said he had a Mule deer buck that was recovered on an arrest that had been made. He stated that the deer had been field dressed and skinned. He also stated that he would bring it by Lyle's home. The deer was delivered at 8:25 pm November 20. The deer was boned out by Lyle the morning of 21 November and 52 pounds of meat was delivered to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #29 - November 3, 2011
The Richland Police Department dispatcher contacted Mike Estes at 7:30 PM on 11/3/2011 about a mule deer buck that had been struck by a vehicle on Van Giesen just west of Jones Road. Mike responded and was assisted in loading the 2 point buck by a passerby. Mike gutted and skinned the deer. With cooler weather, the carcass was hung in Mike's garage for a few days to allow the effects of rigor mortis to subside. The meat was deboned and delivered to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #28 - October 31,2011
The Richland Police Department contact Mike Estes at 5:30 AM on October 31 about a bull elk that had been struck by a vehicle on Highway 240 near Snively Road (MP 22). Mike could not respond so he contacted Bruce Wade. Bruce and his wife, Lavera, recovered the elk and took it to Gaylord Pyle's house to process. Pat Travis assisted. The meat was delivered to McCary's Meats for use by the Union Gospel Mission. Sgt. Mike Jewell, WDFW, was advised that the 6 point antlers could be picked up from Gaylord.
Event #27 - October 23, 2011
Mike Estes received a call from Richland Dispatch at 8:05 AM, Sunday, October 23 about a deer that was struck by a vehicle on Columbia Park Trail near the intersection with Leslie Road. RPD Sgt. Brian Ruegsegger dispatched the deer and helped Mike load it in his vehicle. It was a large, fat, mature mule deer doe. The doe had a milk bag so the fawn apparently escaped injury, at least for now. Mike dressed the doe and hung it in his garage. Mike de-boned it Monday and delivered the meat to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #26 - October 16, 2011
Larry Martin was called on 10-16-2011, at approximately 11:30am by Washington State Patrol about another deer confiscated by same wildlife agent. Larry met the agent on Kalotus highway at the Star School. The deer was a 3 point shot by a hunter who was trespassing on private property. Larry brought the deer home where he and Gene VanLiew boned it out. He took it to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #25 - October 15, 2011
Larry Martin was called on 10-15-2011 at 11:30am by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife to recover a deer that had been killed by a hunter and confiscated by a wildlife agent. The deer was a 2 point that was mistaken for a 3 point. The hunter called the Department of Fish & Wildlife and self reported the mistake, the hunter was not ticketed. Larry met the agent on Kalotus highway at Big Flat turn off. He brought the deer home, boned it out and took it to the Union Gospel Mission. They were happy to have it and planned on using it for Mondays meal.
Event # 24 - October 6, 2011
Larry Martin responded to a call from the Richland Police Department in the evening of October 6, 2011 to recover a mule deer doe in north Richland that had been struck by a vehicle. Larry field dressed the deer and stored it overnight. Mike Estes picked up the deer carcass from Larry and transported it to McCary's Meats on October 7, 2011 to be processed for the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #23 - October 1, 2011
Mike Estes was contacted at 9:00 PM Saturday evening by Sgt. Scott Bravo of the West Richland Police Department about an injured deer in the back yard of a residence near the West Richland golf course. The home owner had contacted WSP about 4 hours earlier but WDFW Enforcement did not respond. The young mule deer buck had apparently been struck by a vehicle and had a damaged front leg and shoulder. Mike asked Sgt. Bravo if he was prepared to put the deer down and he said that he would.
Mike retrieved, gutted, and skinned the deer Saturday night. He deboned the deer Sunday morning and delivered the meat to the Union Gospel Mission. He received a few "Bless Yous" and the cook said that he would plan a special dinner using the meat for Tuesday evening.
Event #22 - September 19, 2011
A bull moose slid down the concrete sides of the Esquatzel Diversion Channel six miles north of Pasco. The Department of Fish and Wildlife determined there was no safe way to rescue it. The RRGC recovery team received a call about 3:30 PM and were on the scene in Franklin County by about 4:00 PM but the animal was not dispatched until about 7:30 PM. WDFW Enforcement, USFWS, Columbia Dive Rescue, and a towing company were involved in trying to remove the animal from the deep, concrete lined irrigation canal. There was a butcher (by trade) who was present and offered to dress the animal and the carcass was stored at Bryan’s Meats overnight and delivered to McCary Meats in Basin City by Lyle Gilk and Eddie Manthos on Tuesday to be cut and wrapped for use by the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission. The hanging weight of the dressed carcass is 600+ pounds.
Event # 21 - June 16, 2011
On June 16, 2011 called Gaylord Pyle at 10:20 pm and advised him a two point Mule deer had been hit near the Columbia Park Trail roundabout. Gaylord, Bruce & Lavera Wade, and Pat Travis responded and field dressed the deer. The meat was taken to the Gospel Union Mission.
Event #20 - June 6, 2011
On June 6, 2011, at 9:35 PM, the Richland Police Department notified Lyle Gilk that a deer had been hit by a car in the vicinity of the traffic circle on Steptoe Dr. The deer was located two hundred feet west of the traffic circle on Columbia Park Drive.. The animal was a mature Mule Deer buck with its horns still not fully developed. The Richland Police Officer helped load the deer after which it was transported to Gaylord Pyle's residence were it was skinned and deboned.The meat was placed into cooler and ice place on it until it could be delivered to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco, WA. There was estimated 45 pounds of meat recovered from the deer.
Event #19 - Jan 8, 2011
Larry Martin got a call at about 3:00 pm Saturday, January 8, 2011 from the WDFW about a deer hit by a car on Harris Road in Pasco. The wildlife agent was on his way to the scene when he called and said he would call Larry back in a few minutes after he got to the scene to see what the situation was. The Officer called Larry in about 20 minutes and said he found the deer still alive and suffering so he dispatched it. The buck had actually been hit by a car the night before and people in the area called the WDFW when they noticed the suffering deer in the orchard. He gave Larry directions to get there (about a mile north of the gravel pit on Harris Road) and said he would wait until Larry arrived. It was a mule deer buck fawn and pretty banged up. The Office helped Larry load the deer into his pickup and Larry said he would save as much meat as possible. Saturday evening Larry and his son Jeff boned out the meat that was salvageable and put it in freezer until it was transported to McCary's Meats in Basin City for processing and delivery to the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #18 - Jan 1, 2011
At 9:46 am on January 1, 2011, Mike Estes received a call from the Washington State Patrol Dispatcher that a deer was hit by a vehicle near Westbound Highway I-182 at North 20th Avenue in Pasco (Franklin County). Mike Estes and Scott Estes responded and field dressed the animal. The recovery location was at the beginning of the westbound exit to 20th Avenue, near the Pasco Golf Course. The young mule deer doe was struck by a vehicle and had a broken rear leg. The responding officer dispatched the animal. There was little or no loss of meat due to the injury. Due to the holiday weekend, the meat was delivered to McCary's Meats the following week to be processed for the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #17 - Dec 21, 2010
At 10:00 am on December 21, 2010 The RRGClub's response team was notified by the Richland 911 Dispatcher that a deer was hit on Columbia Park Trail between Leslie Road and Steptoe Street in Richland. Gaylord Pyle & Pat Travis responded to the scene and field dressed the deer. The animal was an adult female Mule deer that was hit in the back and much of the hindquarters meat could not be saved. The remainder of the animal was recovered and on December 23, 2010 the deer was delivered to McCary's Meats in Basin City to be cut and wrapped for the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #16 - Oct. 29, 2010
On October 29, 2010 , at 2:29 AM Lyle was called by the Walla Walla County Sheriffs Office regarding an elk that had been hit by a van. The elk had been dispatched by the county because of broken legs. Lyle attempted to contact other members of the recovery team and was only able to contact Gaylord Pyle who stated that he and Rick Libby was going deer hunting. The elk was located two miles east of Wallula Junction on Highway 12. Lyle arrived at that location at 3:10 AM and was met by two County Deputies. They stated that the Game Department wanted the antlers. After removing the antlers, Lyle then field dressed the animal and had completed the task when a wrecker from Yakama arrived to remove the vehicle that had hit the elk. He stated that he would use the boom on the wrecker to load the animal which Lyle appreciated very much.
About that time Gaylord Pyle and Rick Libby arrived at the scene and helped load the elk into Lyle's pickup. Gaylord suggested that the elk be taken to his shed where Gaylord and Pat Travis helped remove the hide from the elk. The elk was cleaned up and left hanging in the shed until Monday morning when it was moved to McCary Meats and was found to have spoiled . The meat was declared unusable.
Event #15 - Oct. 20, 2010
Larry Martin received a call from WSP Dispatch shortly after midnight on October 20, 2010 that a spike bull elk had been struck by a vehicle one mile east of Wallula Junction. Larry quickly gathered his gear including the game hoist that Rick Libby made and arrived at the scene about 1:00 A.M. Two Walla Walla Sheriff's deputies were present and held the elk's legs while Larry gutted it, then the deputies helped Larry hoist and drag the elk into Larry's pickup. Larry left the elk in his vehicle and took it to work with him the next morning. Jerry Zeitler picked it up from Larry. Jerry and Pat Travis skinned the elk and then delivered it to McCary's Meats in Basin City to be cut and wrapped for the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #14 - Oct. 10, 2010
Dispatch contacted Lyle Gilk yesterday morning about a bull elk that had been hit on Highway 12 near Wallula Junction (WDFW Region 1). Lyle couldn't respond so he asked Dispatch to call Gaylord Pyle. Gaylord and Rick Libby were salmon fishing when the call was received but immediately headed back to the boat launch. Gaylord also contacted Pat Travis and Jerry Zeitler to assist. WDOT hauled the 6x7 bull elk to a dump pit where the RRGC team could safely gut and skin the animal. The antlers were transferred to WDFW Region 3 Enforcement. The elk was halved and then loaded into Rick's pickup and delivered to McCary's Meats in Basin City to be cut and wrapped for the Union Gospel Mission. Gaylord said our team was thankful for assistance from two gentlemen who worked for a construction company who helped load the animal into Rick's truck because it was a very large elk.
Event #13 - Nov. 7, 2009
Lyle Gilk received a call from the State Patrol about 9:30 PM about an elk hit by a car on Highway 12 at mile post 309, two miles east of Wallula Junction. Lyle called Larry Martin who agreed to respond. Larry used the call list and contacted Dave Myers who was already in bed but agreed to help (what a guy). Because of the patrol car lights the accident scene was visible from Wallula Junction. The elk was a large 5x6 bull, his legs and pelvis were severely broken, but the elk was still alive when the first patrolman got to the scene (tough animal). The officer shot the elk to put it out of misery. The Chevy Suburban that hit the elk was gone by the time Larry and Dave got there but one of the officers said the front end was heavily damaged and luckily no one was injured. Dave and Larry skinned the animal enough to remove all four legs and the back strap and left the carcass there. Dave and Larry had fun retrieving the elk and working with the friendly and helpful officers at the scene, but they are keeping their fingers crossed for daylight jobs in the future (they got home sometime around midnight). Larry and his son Donny cleaned up and boned out the meat on Sunday then Pat Travis picked up the meat at Larry's house and delivered it to McCary's on Monday.
Event #12 - Nov. 03, 2009
On November 3, 2009, Lyle Gilk received a call from Washington State Patrol that a deer had been dispatched by a State Patrolman at 4916 Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick. The Patrol dispatcher stated the animal was located inside the equipment parking lot at Verizon Communications. Lyle inquired at the office if they knew about the deer. They acknowledge that a state patrolman had shot the animal and informed them that the animal was going to be picked up and processed for the Gospel Mission. A Verizon employee volunteered to take the animal to his home to gut and skin it out but was unaware the animal had to be processed. Lyle proceeded to the employee's home and loaded the animal into his vehicle. Lyle then contacted Paul Kison who assisted with dressing the animal. They took the animal to McCary's Meats in Basin City for processing.
Event #11 - Oct 28, 2009
On 28 Oct 09, at 8:40 AM, Lyle Gilk received a call from Claire Cranston (who once again had been contacted by John Prather) that there was a deer lying on the side of the road at the intersection of Highway 12 and State route 124 near Burbank in Walla Walla County. The forked-horn mule deer buck (with one antler broken off and missing from his collision with a vehicle) was located about 200 feet east of the Highway 12/124 intersection. Lyle loaded the deer into his pickup using a new piece of hoist equipment and hauled it to his house where Gaylord Pyle and Pat Travis assisted Lyle to gut and skin the deer. Lyle transported the dressed out deer to Mc Cary's Meats in Basin City to be processed for the benefit of the Pasco Union Gospel Mission.
Event #10 - Oct. 27, 2009
On 27 Oct 09,about 8:30 AM Lyle Gilk received a call from Gaylord Pyle (who had received a call from Clare Cranston who had been notified by John Prather) that a deer had been hit and was laying at the side of the road somewhere between Hanson Road and Dodd Road on Highway 12 in Walla Walla County. Lyle was unable to find anyone to help respond so Lyle and his wife made two trips down Highway 12 from Hanson Road to the paper mill. They were unsuccessful in locating the deer.
Event #9 - Sept 19, 2009
On September 19, at 10:30 PM, Lyle Gilk was notified by the Richland Police Department Dispatch Center that they had a deer hit by a car at Kennedy Road across from the Home Depot. A good sized Mule Deer doe was lying on the side of the road with both front legs broken. The on-scene Officer dispatched the crippled deer with his service weapon.
Lyle took the deer to his home were it was field dressed and hung in his storage shed until he could transport it to McCary's Meats in Basin City. Because of a backlog of animals and limited cooler space, Lyle was initially informed the deer would have to be boned out. However, the Office Manager made an exception and requested that for the next three to four weeks the Club's Recovery Team call and asked if it would be alright to bring a whole animal. The processed meat is given to the Tri-Cities Union Gospel Mission.
Event #8 - Jan 17, 2009
Mike Estes received a call from WSP Dispatch at 6:20 AM about a deer hit by a vehicle near Horn Rapids Dam on Highway 240. The WSP officer remained at the scene until Gaylord Pyle and Pat Travis arrived to recover the mule deer doe. Gaylord and Pat dressed the animal and delivered the carcass to McCary's Meats in Basin City where it will be processed for use by the Union Gospel Mission.
Event #7 - Dec 8, 2008
Mike Estes was contacted by a WSP dispatcher at 9:40 p.m. about a deer that had been struck by a car on Highway 126 near the entrance to Hood Park (Burbank, WDFW Region 1). A WSP officer dispatched the deer and agreed to stay with the carcass until Mike could arrive. Mike responded immediately and arrived at the scene in less than 30 minutes. The female officer helped Mike load the mule deer doe into Mike's truck. Mike had contacted Paul Kison for assistance. Paul arrived in time to help field dress the deer. Mike skinned the deer the following day. The meat was delivered to McCary's Meats to be ground and packaged for use by the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.
Event #6 - Nov 15, 2008
On November 15, 2008, at 4:30 PM, Lyle Gilk was notified by the Washington Stated Patrol of a dead deer which was located between Columbia Park Trail and Highway 240, just off Edison Street. Larry Martin was contacted and he responded to the scene. Larry located the animal. He related back to Gilk that the animal had been dead three or more weeks and was not fit for human consumption. Washington State Patrol notified by Martin of the situation and the need for proper disposal.
Event #5 - Nov 11, 2008
On November 11, 2008 at 9:50 PM, Lyle Gilk was notified by the Washington State Highway Patrol dispatch that a deer (Buck) had been hit by a car and killed on the west access on ramp to I-182 from Queens Gate Street, Richland, Washington. Gilk contacted Rick Nelson who responded to the scene of the accident. The responding State Trooper had remained on the scene until Gilk arrived at 1015 PM. The deer was removed from the scene to Nelsons well lighted garage, where it was processed. On November 12 the deer was transported by Jerry Burke to McCary Meats in Basin City, Washington. The Union Gospel Mission, Pasco Washington was contacted and informed of the transport of the deer to McCary Meats.
Event #4 - Oct 28, 2008
On October 28, 2008,at 5:30 PM, Lyle Gilk was notified by Franklin County Sheriffs Department Dispatch that a deer (Buck) had been killed by a car on the Pasco/Kahlotus Highway at milepost 23. Gilk contacted Paul Kinson who accompanied him on the attempt to recover the animal. A through search of the highway from milepost 22 to 25 had negative results. The deputy who had been dispatched to the scene was then contacted for an exact location. He stated that it was about a quarter mile north of the Star School. Another search was conducted from the Star School to mile post 25 with negative result.
Event #3 - Oct 13, 2008
On Monday October 13, 2008 at 8:50 PM Lyle Gilk received a call form police dispatch that a Richland Officer had dispatched a deer on Van Giesen St. about one mile from the Yakima River Bridge. Lyle was able to contact Rick Conant and Rick Nelson to assist with processing the deer. Rick Nelson stopped at the West Richland Police Station and obtain an exact location of were the deer was located (Van Giesen and Buckskin Lane). Angie was with Rick Conant when he arrived. It was decided to remove the deer to Rick Nelson's work shop for processing. The deer was skinned and entrails remove. The deer was then transported to John Hall's meat cooler for over night storage. The next day deer was delivered to McCarey Meats in Basin City for processing for the Union Gospel Mission.
Event # 2 - Sept 5, 2008
WDFW Enforcement tried to contact Mike Estes on Friday morning and then called Lyle Gilk to see whether RRGC would be able to take possession of a mule deer that was harvested illegally near Paterson. Lyle made calls to several people to coordinate the activity and then was able to contact Mike in the early afternoon. Mike made contact with Officers John Horn and Brian Fulton and arranged to meet them as they arrived back in the Tri-Cities from Oregon where they had recovered the animal. The skinned carcass was transferred to Mike's vehicle and delivered to McCary's Meats before 4:00 PM. More meat for the Union Gospel Mission.
Officer Fulton praised the efforts of the RRGC meat recovery team. He said that if RRGC had not been available to take possession of the deer to transport it to a butcher, that it would likely have gone to waste.
Event # 1 - Sept. 4, 2008
Mike received a call from Franklin County Dispatch about 6:20 am about a bull elk that had been hit by a vehicle on the Pasco-Kahlotus Highway. The elk had two broken legs and his suffering was ended by a Franklin County Deputy. I contacted Gaylord Pyle to serve as team leader on the recovery. Gaylord was assisted by Pat Travis, Paul Kison, and Jerry Zeitler. The animal was gutted, skinned, and the meat was de-boned at the scene. John Hall was notified and John had his walk-in cooler ready to store the meat, if needed. Gaylord was able to contact the Union Gospel Mission and they requested that the meat be delivered to McCary's Meats in Basin City for packaging. Gaylord delivered the meat to Basin City and the 5x5 antlers were delivered to Officer Brian Fulton of WDFW Enforcement.
Mike - "Thanks to the volunteers who helped make our first game meat recovery a success!"
