Can you legally pick up roadkill in Washington state? Follow these rules
Sometimes, roadkill is inevitable. Animals die on roads across Washington state every day.
Whether you’ve spotted roadkill on the side of the street — or, worse, hit a critter while behind the wheel — you may have wondered about Washington’s rules for disposing of dead animals.
Are you allowed to pick up an elk or deer that’s been killed by a car?
Can you legally salvage antlers, fur, meat and more for free?
Here’s what to know about roadkill regulations in Washington state:
Can I legally pick up roadkill in Washington state?
In some cases, it is legal to salvage roadkill on roads owned by Washington state.
You’re allowed to claim the carcasses of elk or certain species of deer killed by motor vehicles, according to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Beavers, raccoons, squirrels and other animals aren’t covered under state salvage permits.
Salvaging select wild animals is allowed in nearly 20 U.S. states, including Oregon and Idaho.
The state Fish and Wildlife Department requires people to report “sick, injured or dead animals” online.
What are the rules for salvaging deer and elk in Washington?
In Washington state, you can legally “take possession” of a deer or elk carcass as long as you obtain a free permit within 24 hours, according to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“The entire carcass, including entrails, of the animal must be removed from the road right of way,” the Washington state wildlife agency said.
You must keep a hard copy of your signed and dated permit with the meat until “all edible portions are consumed,” the agency states.
The state Fish and Wildlife Department said salvaged meat isn’t necessarily “fit for consumption,” so you should check food safety guidelines for game meat before eating any.
In Eastern Washington, salvaged animals must be tested for chronic wasting disease, according to Fish and Wildlife.
You’ll need to submit the animal’s entire head with at least 3 inches of its neck attached, or lymph nodes removed from the body, to the agency within five days of getting the permit.
Which deer species are legal to possess?
Restrictions on salvaging deer in three Washington counties were recently lifted.
Previously, drivers in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties were only allowed to pick up elk killed by motor vehicles.
You can now salvage deer killed by cars in these counties, following a rule change that took place in May.
Only three species of deer can be legally salvaged in Washington state: Columbian black-tailed deer, mule deer and non-Columbian white-tailed deer.
It’s illegal to “salvage, handle or possess” Columbian white-tailed deer anywhere in the state, according to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department. The threatened species is protected federally.
What if the animal is on private property?
If you see roadkill on private property, you’re not allowed trespass in order to pick it up, state wildlife officials said.
If the dead animal is on your property, you are responsible for handling its disposal. Private companies may be available to help, and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife may assist if officials in your region have the capacity.
You are required to report the animal to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife by calling your regional office or using this form.
Can I salvage roadkill within city limits?
Regulations for picking up roadkill are different within city limits.
Check the rules for where you’re driving. The area may be under the jurisdiction of a local police department, sheriff’s office, the Washington State Department of Transportation or even the local animal shelter.
What are the penalties for breaking the rules?
IIlegally salvaging a wild animal is punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and up to a year in county jail, under Washington state law, with penalties depending on the specifics.
You could also lose salvaging or hunting privileges, state law says.
This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM.