You’re driving down a Washington highway when you spot a freshly hit deer on the roadside. Can you legally take it home? Many drivers face this question after encountering wildlife killed in vehicle collisions.
In Washington, it is legal to salvage deer and elk killed by motor vehicles, but you must obtain a free permit from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife within 24 hours of taking possession of the animal. The state introduced these rules to prevent usable meat from going to waste while keeping roads clear of hazards.
Understanding the roadkill laws can save you from legal trouble and help you make safe decisions. This guide covers everything you need to know about which animals you can claim, how to get your permit from WDFW, and what rules apply in different parts of the state.
Is It Legal To Take Roadkill In Washington?
Yes, it is legal to salvage roadkill in Washington, but only for specific animals. The law applies to deer and elk that were killed by motor vehicles.
You cannot salvage other types of animals under Washington’s roadkill salvage program. The rule went into effect on July 1, 2016, making Washington one of nearly 20 states that allow this practice.
Key requirements for legal roadkill salvage include:
- You must obtain a free salvage permit from WDFW within 24 hours of taking the animal
- You need to keep a hardcopy of the signed permit with the meat until it’s all consumed
- You must remove the entire carcass, including entrails, from the road right of way
- Regular hunting licenses and tags cannot be used for salvaging roadkill
A 2025 rule change expanded roadkill salvage to include deer killed in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties. However, you cannot salvage Columbian white-tailed deer anywhere in Washington—this remains illegal.
If you salvage an animal in Eastern Washington (100 series Game Management Units), you must have it tested for chronic wasting disease. You need to submit the whole head with at least three inches of neck attached within five days of getting your permit.
You cannot kill an injured animal yourself for salvage purposes. Only law enforcement officers or authorized individuals can euthanize animals injured in collisions. The state does not guarantee that salvaged meat is safe to eat, so you consume it at your own risk.
How To Claim Roadkill In Washington
If you want to salvage roadkill in Washington, you need to follow specific steps to stay legal. The process applies to deer and elk killed by motor vehicles.
Getting Your Permit
You must obtain a free salvage permit within 24 hours of taking possession of the animal. You can get the permit online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or visit their regional offices. The permit is printable and completely free.
Required Actions
Once you have your salvage permit, you need to keep a hardcopy with the meat until you consume all edible parts. You must remove the entire carcass from the road right of way, including entrails.
Special Requirements for Eastern Washington
If you’re salvaging deer or elk from Eastern Washington’s 100 series Game Management Units, you face additional requirements. You must submit the whole head with at least three inches of neck attached or extracted lymph nodes to WDFW within five days. This testing helps track chronic wasting disease in the region.
Important Restrictions
You cannot use big game licenses or tags when salvaging roadkill. Only law enforcement officers or authorized individuals can euthanize injured animals. You cannot kill a wounded animal yourself for salvage purposes.
The salvage permit applies specifically to deer and elk salvage in most counties. Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties have expanded rules as of May 2025. However, salvaging Columbian white-tailed deer remains illegal throughout Washington.
What Animals Can You Salvage In Washington
Washington law allows you to salvage deer and elk killed in vehicle collisions. These are the only two species permitted under the state’s roadkill salvage program.
You cannot legally salvage other animals like bears, moose, or smaller wildlife. The restrictions keep the program focused on the most commonly hit large game animals on Washington roads.
Important Species Restriction
It remains illegal to salvage, handle, or possess Columbian white-tailed deer anywhere in Washington. This protected subspecies is found primarily in southwest Washington counties. You must be able to distinguish between legal black-tailed deer and protected Columbian white-tailed deer before taking any animal.
Regional Differences
As of 2025, residents in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties gained expanded salvage rights for deer. Previously, these three counties had different restrictions.
If you salvage an elk carcass or deer in Eastern Washington (Game Management Units in the 100 series), you must have the animal tested for chronic wasting disease. You need to submit the whole head with at least three inches of neck attached or extracted lymph nodes to WDFW within five days of getting your permit.
What You Can Take
- Deer (except Columbian white-tailed deer)
- Elk
You take responsibility for determining whether the game meat is safe to eat. WDFW does not guarantee that salvaged meat is fit for human consumption.
Penalties For Illegal Roadkill Possession In Washington
Breaking Washington’s roadkill salvage rules can result in serious consequences. Illegally salvaging a wild animal is punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and up to a year in county jail, depending on the specific violation.
Key violations that trigger penalties include:
- Possessing roadkill without obtaining a free permit within 24 hours
- Salvaging protected species like Columbian white-tailed deer
- Failing to remove the entire carcass from the road right of way
- Not submitting required chronic wasting disease test samples in Eastern Washington
You could also lose your salvaging and hunting privileges if caught violating these regulations. This means you won’t be able to obtain big game licenses or participate in legal hunting activities in the future.
The chronic wasting disease testing requirement is particularly important in Eastern Washington. You must submit either the animal’s entire head with at least 3 inches of neck attached or lymph nodes removed from the body within five days of getting your permit. Missing this deadline counts as a violation even if you properly obtained your initial salvage permit.
Law enforcement takes these rules seriously because they protect both wildlife populations and public safety. Vehicle collisions with large animals create hazards on the road, and proper salvage procedures help reduce those risks while preventing disease spread.
If you’re unsure whether you can legally salvage an animal, it’s better to leave it and report it to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rather than risk criminal charges.
