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Roadkill & Salvage

Reporting roadkill mortalities gives Idaho Fish & Game and Idaho Transportation Department information to help prevent wildlife losses and make highways safer.

Salvaging? If you choose to salvage the animal, this form will generate the required CE-51 Wildlife Salvage permit.

Report Roadkill »

Mule deer using the Highway 21 wildlife underpass

What is wildlife salvage?

The wildlife collision salvage rule went into effect in Spring 2012. The rule allows for the legal salvage of some game animals killed by auto collisions

How do I salvage roadkill?

  • Before you claim any roadkill salvage, consider the safety of yourself and fellow travelers. Always abide by traffic and safety laws.
  • Did you find or accidentally strike and kill an animal legal for salvage? Pick it up.
  • You have 24 hours to notify Fish and Game, and 72 hours to obtain a salvage permit.
  • You may self-report online or phone our offices to report.
    If calling after hours it's important to leave your full name, phone number, address and location of the salvage so a permit may be mailed. If self-reporting a printable permit will be generated.
  • Salvage permits are free.
  • Persons salvaging and consuming this meat do so at their own risk.

Can I dispatch injured wildlife?

As of July 1, 2018, dispatch of wildlife injured in a vehicle collision is allowed. For more information, visit https://idfg.idaho.gov/rule/roadkill/dispatch

What may I salvage?

Individuals may recover and keep wildlife species classified as upland birds, upland game animals, big game, furbearers, and predators that may be lawfully hunted or trapped that have been killed by accidental vehicle-collisions. Unprotected non-game wildlife are also legal for salvage. However, protected non-game wildlife, Threatened or Endangered species, migratory birds (which are federally protected), and other wildlife species not lawfully hunted or trapped may NOT be recovered, possessed, or salvaged.

View List of Salvageable Species

Can I sell it?

You may purchase or sell wildlife parts, except the edible flesh, of wildlife species classified as big game, upland game, upland game birds, or furbearers that may be lawfully hunted or trapped that have been killed by accidental vehicle-collisions. Bighorn sheep cannot be purchased, bartered, or sold.

Can I view and export roadkill observations?

You can query and download roadkill observations through our GIS Web app

CWD Sampling at check station of deer

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Roadkill

Idaho Fish and Game monitors the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a contagious disease affecting deer, elk, and moose, using roadkill as a valuable resource for testing. Idaho Fish and Game is acting to limit the spread of CWD in Idaho through new rules and monitoring program.

In CWD MANAGEMENT ZONES, be aware of special rules for salvage and animal transport.

Everywhere in the State, monitoring programs are established and samples are encouraged.