I came across this doe while hunting in Noble county over the weekend. She was with a fawn and appeared completely healthy as she worked through the woods browsing on acorns. If it wasn't for the disgusting appearance of these "deer warts" on her right shoulder, neck, and rump I was planning on shooting her. It's been a long season... and I've passed on too much meat for the freezer. Once I saw the warts however I opted to pass, not being certain if the meat was safe to eat or not.
None of the guys at camp really knew what to make of the growths until we did some searching and discovered that it looks like a fibroma. Turns out they're not harmful or fatal to the deer, unless of course they interfere with normal eating or breathing capabilities. There is also no known evidence of fibromas being transferred to humans through contact with the deer or consumption of the meat, so I guess I could've shot her. But, there are plenty of other deer out there so I'll wait to put my tag around one that's a little bit prettier.
None of the guys at camp really knew what to make of the growths until we did some searching and discovered that it looks like a fibroma. Turns out they're not harmful or fatal to the deer, unless of course they interfere with normal eating or breathing capabilities. There is also no known evidence of fibromas being transferred to humans through contact with the deer or consumption of the meat, so I guess I could've shot her. But, there are plenty of other deer out there so I'll wait to put my tag around one that's a little bit prettier.
