Deer Parasites, what have we got here?

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Rembrandt

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Cutting up my deer yesterday and found these small black items, at first thought they were coagulated blood clots. Began to see they had bored little holes throughout the muscle tissue. Haven't found anything in internet searches to duplicate what these are.

Cut into a front quarter and one appeared to be in a vein, as I pulled it out looks to be some type of a worm. Perhaps muscle worm or tape worm?

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Part of the front and rear quarters, only appeared on one side of the deer.
 
Those small holes may be caused by bullet fragments. I've seen similar damage when hitting bone with a jacketed soft point. The damage/penetration can be surprisingly far from the main wound channel.

That said, I'm sure the state DNR biologists would gladly give you some insight. Email the pics to them.
 
Muscle worms in deer are generally white and 1-3 inches long. The fact they are only on one side makes me wonder in the deer went down hard on that side, or crashed thru heavy brush, after being shot, or was it dragged out on that side? Could be from bruising during mating or fighting.
 
Not sure if these were on the side that was face down. Had it field dressed and back to the house in less than an hour from when it was shot. I'll send the pics to the DNR and get their analysis.
 
UPDATE:

Contacted and sent photos to the Department of Natural Resources. Their Wildlife Biologist confirms the spots are NOT parasites, but rather blood clots. Appears to have been a result of excessive impact trauma from the bullet and/or hitting the ground after being shot. Worms would be white or a light color. Some of the holes could have been from bullet fragments, but no fragments were found. Appears the bullet entered and exited the body cavity intact.

Thanks for all the replies, looks like several of you were correct in your analysis.
 
Thanks for that update. I have no knowledge about that stuff and I was wondering. Been watching this thread to find out. Glad you didn't have any parasite problems.
 
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