Driving along a Colorado highway, you might spot a deer or elk that didn’t make it across the road. You may wonder if you can legally take that animal home instead of letting it go to waste.
In Colorado, you can legally collect roadkill, but the rules differ depending on the size of the animal. Small animals like rabbits and skunks don’t require any permits. Larger game animals like deer, elk, and moose need a free permit from Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you can take them.
Understanding these laws helps you avoid legal trouble while making use of fresh meat that would otherwise be wasted. This guide explains exactly what you need to know about collecting roadkill in Colorado, from which animals you can take to how to properly report your find.
Is It Legal to Take Roadkill in Colorado?
Yes, collecting roadkill in Colorado is legal, but the rules depend on what type of animal you find. You need to follow different processes based on the size and species of the animal.
Small Animals vs. Large Game
The laws split animals into two categories:
- Small animals (squirrels, skunks, raccoons, rabbits) – You can collect these without any permit or reporting
- Large game (deer, elk, moose, antelope) – You must get a free permit from Colorado Parks and Wildlife
If you want to take home meat from roadkill like a deer, you need to call Colorado Parks and Wildlife right away. Tell them where you found the animal and that you want to harvest it. You can collect the animal first and make the call after you get off the road, but you must report it within a reasonable time.
Getting Your Permit
The permit process for harvesting roadkill is simple and free. You don’t need to wait at the scene for an officer. Just call Colorado Parks and Wildlife with the location and your request. Some state patrol officers and county sheriff offices can also issue permits depending on your location.
Failing to get a permit for large game can lead to serious trouble. You could face charges for illegal harvesting of wild game. Always report large animals before taking them home, even if you hit the animal yourself.
How to Claim Roadkill in Colorado
The process depends on what type of animal you find. Small animals like squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and skunks don’t require any permits or reporting.
For Large Game Animals:
You must get a salvage permit from Colorado Parks and Wildlife before taking home deer, elk, moose, or antelope. The permits are completely free.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Call Colorado Parks and Wildlife as soon as possible
- Report the animal’s location and condition
- Tell them if you want to harvest all or part of the carcass
- Request your permit
You can collect the animal first and make the call after you’re safely off the road. Just make sure you report it within a reasonable time frame to avoid accusations of illegal hunting.
Where to Get Your Permit:
- Any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office
- Some state patrol officers (depending on location)
- Certain county sheriff offices
The legal protocol for claiming roadkill helps manage wildlife resources and gather important population data. This is why reporting large game is required while small animals don’t need documentation.
If you hit the animal yourself with your vehicle, the same rules apply. You still need to get a permit for large game before taking it home. Safety should always be your first concern when collecting roadkill along Colorado highways. Make sure you’re completely off the road and away from traffic before attempting to retrieve any animal.
What Animals Can You Salvage in Colorado
Colorado divides roadkill into two main categories based on size and type. You can collect small animals without any paperwork or permits.
Small animals include squirrels, skunks, raccoons, and rabbits. You can take these animals without reporting anything to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Large game animals require a free permit from CPW. These animals include:
- Deer (buck or doe)
- Elk
- Moose
- Antelope
- Pronghorn
You must call Colorado Parks and Wildlife before taking any large game animal. The wildlife agency needs to know the location of the animal and whether you hit it or just found it. This step protects you from illegal hunting accusations.
The permit process is simple and costs nothing. You can collect the deer or other large animal first and call CPW afterward as long as you report it within a reasonable time. Some people have used the salvage permit to provide more than a year’s worth of meat for their families.
You can harvest part of the animal instead of the whole carcass. Some collectors only want the antlers from a roadkill buck while others take all the meat. Just tell Colorado Parks & Wildlife what you plan to take when you request your permit.
The key difference is simple. Small animals need no permit. Large game animals always need a free CPW permit and a phone call.
Penalties for Illegal Roadkill Possession in Colorado
If you take home roadkill without following proper procedures, you could face serious consequences. Colorado treats illegal possession of big game animals like deer or elk as a wildlife violation.
When you fail to report roadkill or obtain the required permit, local law enforcement and Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers can charge you with illegal possession of wildlife. The penalties depend on the type and number of animals involved.
Common violations include:
- Taking roadkill home without calling CPW within 48 hours
- Failing to obtain a free permit from a CPW office
- Possessing big game animals without proper documentation
- Making false statements about how you obtained the animal
Wildlife officers may suspect poaching if you possess a deer or elk without a roadkill permit. They investigate these cases seriously because some people illegally hunt animals and claim they found them as roadkill.
Fines for improper wildlife possession can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. You may also lose hunting privileges for a period of time. In severe cases involving multiple animals or repeated violations, you could face criminal charges beyond simple fines.
The Colorado State Patrol and local police departments also help enforce these regulations when they encounter drivers with untagged game animals. They work with CPW officers to verify compliance.
Remember that small animals like raccoons, skunks, and squirrels don’t require permits. You only need to follow the permit process for large game animals.
