Driving down Vermont‘s roads, you’ve probably noticed wildlife along the highways and wondered what happens when deer, moose, or other animals become roadkill. Many Vermonters don’t realize that the state has specific laws governing whether you can take these animals home. Vermont allows residents to salvage certain roadkill animals, but you must follow proper legal procedures to claim them.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation and Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department work together to manage roadkill incidents across the state, balancing driver safety with wildlife conservation. These agencies have created systems for reporting and collecting animals killed on roads. Understanding these laws helps you stay legal while reducing waste and potentially filling your freezer with quality meat.
Vermont has expanded programs to salvage usable meat from roadkill that would otherwise decompose on the roadside. Whether you’re interested in claiming an animal you’ve hit or one you’ve spotted, knowing the rules, required permits, and which species you can legally take makes all the difference.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Vermont’s roadkill laws, from legal requirements to potential penalties for breaking them.
Is It Legal to Take Roadkill in Vermont?
Yes, it is legal to take roadkill in Vermont. There are no laws against collecting and eating roadkill in the state.
Vermont is among over 30 states that allow roadkill salvaging in some form. You do not need a special permit to collect most roadkill animals you find on Vermont roads.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department works with the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) to manage roadkill incidents. When animals are killed on state highways, game wardens often collect the carcasses and donate them to people who can use the meat.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife runs a program called “Venison for Vermonters” that processes salvageable meat from roadkill that would otherwise go to waste. The department is currently working to expand this program.
If you want to collect roadkill, you should report the animal first. The state encourages you to use the Roadkill Observation and Data System (ROaDS) to report dead animals. This helps Vermont Fish and Wildlife and VTrans track where wildlife crossing problems exist.
You can also contact your local Vermont State Police barracks to report roadkill. For removal assistance, call the local VT Department of Transportation garage at 802-917-2458.
Always prioritize safety when collecting roadkill. Only collect animals from safe locations where you can pull off the road completely. Never attempt to retrieve carcasses from dangerous areas like interstate medians.
How to Claim Roadkill in Vermont
Vermont has a process for claiming roadkill that involves working with state game wardens and transportation officials. When you find a road-killed animal, you need to contact your local Vermont State Police barracks to report it. A game warden will then determine if the animal can be salvaged for meat.
Safety comes first when dealing with roadkill. You should never stop on busy highways or put yourself at risk to collect an animal.
The Venison for Vermonters program helps process salvageable roadkill meat that would otherwise go to waste. Game wardens collect deer and other animals when possible and donate them to people who can use the meat. However, not all roadkill can be claimed, especially animals in dangerous locations like interstate medians.
Steps to claim roadkill:
- Contact Vermont State Police at your local barracks
- Wait for a game warden to assess the animal
- Provide your information if the animal is salvageable
- Follow any legal requirements the warden provides
The state uses roadkill reports to identify where roads create barriers to wildlife movement. You can help by reporting sightings through the Roadkill Observation and Data System using the ArcGIS Survey123 app. This data helps officials plan better wildlife crossings using bridges and culverts.
Transportation officials work with the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University to analyze this information. Your reports contribute to infrastructure changes that make roads safer for both drivers and animals.
What Animals Can You Salvage in Vermont
Vermont allows you to salvage certain wild animals that have been killed on roadways. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department works with the state transportation agency to manage roadkill and make meat available when possible.
You can legally collect deer and moose that you find as roadkill in Vermont. These large animals provide the most usable meat and are the primary focus of salvage efforts. Game wardens often collect these animals and donate them to programs like “Venison for Vermonters” that process salvageable roadkill meat for people in need.
Black bear may also be available for salvage, though these are less common roadkill victims. Smaller animals like rabbits and waterfowl are typically not part of organized salvage programs.
Key Animals for Salvage:
- Deer – Most common and widely salvaged
- Moose – Large yield but less frequent
- Black bear – Occasionally available
You should contact your local Vermont State Police barracks or a game warden if you want to salvage roadkill. Wildlife conservation efforts benefit from tracking these incidents, as the data helps identify where animal migration routes cross roads. This information supports wildlife populations by helping agencies build better crossing structures.
Safety is your top priority. Never attempt to collect an animal from busy highways or dangerous locations where you could be struck by traffic.
Penalties for Illegal Roadkill Possession in Vermont
Vermont requires you to obtain a possession tag from the Fish and Wildlife Department before keeping roadkill animals like deer, moose, or furbearers. If you take these animals without following proper procedures, you face legal consequences.
The penalties depend on the type and number of animals involved. Each violation counts separately, so multiple animals mean multiple charges.
Common penalties include:
- Fines for illegal possession of wildlife
- Loss of hunting and fishing license privileges
- Potential criminal charges for repeat offenses
- Forfeiture of the animal carcass
Big game animals like deer and moose carry stricter penalties than smaller species. The state treats illegal possession of these animals seriously because it affects wildlife management and conservation efforts. Your violation also becomes part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which means other states can recognize your offense.
If you pick up roadkill without notifying authorities, you risk being charged with illegal possession of wildlife. The Fish and Wildlife Department works with law enforcement to monitor these cases. They want to ensure people follow the rules that help track animal populations and disease patterns.
You should always report roadkill and request proper tags before taking any animal. This simple step keeps you legal and helps Vermont manage its wildlife populations effectively. The process takes minimal time but protects you from fines and license suspensions that could affect your outdoor activities for years.
