Question 1

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Nashville and all of Middle Tennessee, including Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson, and Maury counties. We cover cities including Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Smyrna, Lebanon, Spring Hill, Columbia, and surrounding communities.

Question 2

How quickly can you respond?

Accepted Answer

We offer same-day service for most jobs in Middle Tennessee. Call us at (615) 610-0722 and we'll give you an estimated arrival time. In most cases we can be on-site within a few hours of your call.

Question 3

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are NWCOA (National Wildlife Control Operators Association) certified, TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) permitted, and fully insured. Our TWRA permit authorizes legal carcass removal and disposal under Tennessee law.

Question 4

How much does dead deer removal cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the size of the deer, how long it has been there, and the difficulty of access. Standard residential removal typically starts around $150–$250. Decomposed carcasses, water recovery, or hard-to-access locations cost more. Call us for a free quote — most quotes take just a few minutes over the phone.

Question 5

Do you remove other animals besides deer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We remove most large wildlife carcasses including coyotes, wild hogs, turkeys, and other animals. Call us to describe your situation and we'll confirm we can help.

Question 6

Is a dead deer dangerous to my family or pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dead deer attract flies, maggots, and scavengers. They can harbor parasites including ticks and fleas that carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Decomposition fluids contaminate soil and can seep toward water sources. Prompt removal reduces these risks significantly.

Question 7

Can my dog get sick from a dead deer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dogs that sniff, lick, or eat from a deer carcass can contract bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, and in rare cases Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) or Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) if they ingest infected tissue. Keep pets away from the carcass until it is removed.

Question 8

What is EHD and should I be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is a viral disease that affects white-tailed deer in Tennessee, particularly in late summer and fall. It is spread by biting midges, not by human contact. EHD is not transmissible to humans or most pets. However, a deer that died from EHD should still be removed promptly to prevent secondary health risks from decomposition.

Question 9

What is CWD and is it present in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and elk. As of 2024, CWD has been detected in several Tennessee counties. It is not known to infect humans, but the CDC advises against consuming meat from CWD-positive animals. If you suspect a deer died from CWD, avoid contact and call us — we handle disposal in compliance with TWRA guidelines.

Question 10

How long does it take for a deer carcass to become a health hazard?

Accepted Answer

In warm Tennessee weather, decomposition begins within 24–48 hours. Flies begin laying eggs within hours of death. By day three, maggot activity is visible and odor becomes significant. The longer a carcass sits, the more contamination spreads to surrounding soil. Same-day or next-day removal is strongly recommended.

Question 11

Will the county remove a dead deer from my property?

Accepted Answer

No. County highway departments only remove carcasses from public roads and rights-of-way. If the deer is on your private property — your yard, driveway, pasture, or wooded acreage — the county will not respond. You need a private removal service.

Question 12

How do I report a dead deer on a public road in Nashville?

Accepted Answer

For dead animals on Metro Nashville roads, contact Metro Nashville Public Works at (615) 862-8750. For state highways and interstates, contact TDOT at (615) 350-4100. For county roads outside Nashville, contact your county highway department directly.

Question 13

How long does it take for the county to pick up a dead deer?

Accepted Answer

Response times vary widely. Metro Nashville typically responds within 1–3 business days. County highway departments in surrounding counties may take 2–5 days or longer depending on workload. If you need faster removal — or if the deer is on private property — call us for same-day service.

Question 14

Does the county clean up after removing the carcass?

Accepted Answer

No. County and city road crews remove the carcass only. They do not treat the site for odor, clean up decomposition fluids, address maggot activity, or deter scavengers. If cleanup and sanitation matter to you, a private service is the right call.

Question 15

Is it legal to move a dead deer myself in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Under Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 70-4-115), handling wildlife carcasses without a permit may be restricted. Moving a deer carcass yourself without a TWRA permit could expose you to legal liability. We are TWRA permitted and handle all disposal in full compliance with state law.

Question 16

There's a dead deer in my pond or creek — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Do not attempt to remove it yourself. A carcass in water contaminates the water source and requires careful extraction to avoid spreading bacteria and decomposition fluids downstream. We have the equipment and permits to handle water-adjacent and submerged carcass removal safely.

Question 17

A deer is stuck on my fence — can you remove it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Deer impaled on fences or caught in fence lines are one of the more common calls we receive. Removal requires cutting or disassembling part of the fence in some cases. We handle the extraction and can advise on fence repair if needed.

Question 18

I hit a deer with my car — what are my responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

If the deer is on a public road, you can report it to the appropriate road authority (Metro Nashville, TDOT, or your county highway department) and they will handle removal. If the deer ended up on private property after the collision, you'll need a private service. You are not legally required to remove a deer from a public road yourself.

Question 19

Vultures are gathering around a dead deer on my property — is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Vultures and other scavengers spread carcass material, feathers, and bacteria across a wider area. They can also become aggressive and damage property. Prompt carcass removal is the most effective deterrent. We can also advise on scavenger management after removal.

Question 20

There's a strong odor even after the deer was removed — what can I do?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition fluids soak into soil and can persist for weeks. We offer odor neutralization and soil treatment as part of our cleanup service. If you had a previous removal and the odor remains, call us — we can treat the site directly.

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County Pickup vs. Private Removal

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