Oregon joins other states allowing roadkill for food

PORTLAND, Ore. – A new law that goes into effect Jan. 1 means people in Oregon will be able to harvest and eat roadkill.

Lawmakers approved the measure in 2017, which states that “salvaging deer and elk struck by vehicles is legal in Oregon.” About 20 other states allow people to take meat from animals killed by vehicles.

In Oregon people must complete and submit an application for a permit within 24 hours of salvaging the elk or deer. The application cannot be submitted beforehand because it requires specific information about location and time of the salvage.

The antlers must be handed over to the state’s wildlife agency.

Intentionally hitting a deer or elk in order to take the meat remains illegal in Oregon.

Salvaging roadkill is legal in many states, including Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.