fbpx

Eating Roadkill

By Bow StaffApril 16, 20162 Comments

Eating roadkill…would you do it? What was once considered only for the redneck elite is now becoming legalized across a growing number of states in the U.S.

Washington State is the latest to jump on the roadkill bandwagon with a shift in opportunities for motorist in 2016. Opportunistic drivers in Washington can now load up a deer or elk that has been hit by a vehicle.

roadkill deer

What are your thoughts on eating roadkill deer? Would you do it?

The new rule for WA will not take effect until July, 2016 to give the Department of Fish and Wildlife time to develop the administrative procedures necessary to implement the new rule.

According to the Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Provisions of the new rule:

  • It is permissible to salvage and transport a deer or elk that is accidentally killed by a motor vehicle collision except for any deer killed by a motor vehicle collision in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties.
    (These three counties were excluded to prevent potential conflicts with laws regarding the area’s Columbian white-tailed deer population, which is listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.)
  • A salvage permit must be obtained from the department within 24 hours of taking possession of the animal. Permits may be obtained on the department’s web site or at department regional offices.
  • Big game licenses and tags cannot be used for the purpose of salvaging motor vehicle-killed deer or elk.
  • The entire carcass, including entrails, of the animal must be removed from the road right of way.
  • Any meat an individual deems unfit for human consumption or unusable animal parts must be disposed of pursuant to WAC 246-203-121. Individuals salvaging and consuming this meat do so at their own risk. The department makes no guarantee as to the fitness for consumption of deer or elk collected under a salvage permit. (See Wild Game Meat Food Safety.)
  • An individual may not kill an injured or wounded animal that they encounter for the purpose of salvage. Only a law enforcement officer or individuals or entities authorized by the department may euthanize an animal injured in a motor vehicle collision, and that deer or elk may be taken for salvage.
  • Possession of wildlife in violation of subsection (4) is punishable under RCW 77.15.750.

So now that it’s legal, go ahead, let your redneck side shine, load up that buck in the truck!

We want to hear from you. Comment below and let us know: Would you load up and eat a deer or elk hit by a vehicle? Other critters? What would be your stipulations for eating roadkill?

    View 2 Comments
    Post a Comment
    Login To Account

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *