Can You Keep a Deer if You Hit It? Regulations and Considerations

The Law and Local Regulations

Whether you can keep a deer after hitting it in the road varies depending on the jurisdiction you are in. Different states and even local wildlife agencies have varying laws that regulate the handling and processing of roadkill. In Idaho, for instance, it is legal and encouraged to keep roadkill, which provides a dual benefit of reducing the workload for road crews and reducing waste by utilizing the meat.

In my case, living in New Jersey, the answer is based on the NJ State Law. The process involves immediate actions after hitting the deer. Hanging the deer upside down to drain blood and taking it to a professional butcher for cutting and processing is necessary to ensure safe and proper handling. These steps are crucial to avoid potential health hazards and ensure the quality of the meat.

Lifetime and Preservation Considerations

Once the deer is processed, the chances of keeping it long-term depend on factors such as the skill of the butcher and the regulations in place. Many hunters lack the expertise to perfectly butchering the deer, which can result in uneven quality and spoilage. Additionally, laws and regulations in different states may limit the timeframe within which the deer can be claimed, making long-term preservation challenging.

Some jurisdictions have specific protocols in place. For example, in Pennsylvania, when I was 21, if a deer was hit, a wildlife warden would come to shoot the injured deer and provide a report that needed to be submitted within a certain period. While this article provides a general idea, it is essential to check the specific game laws and regulations of the state where the deer was hit to avoid any legal issues.

Health and Safety Concerns

Health and safety are paramount when handling and consuming any game animal. Many organizations, such as charitable feeders, face restrictions on accepting roadkill due to the potential for bacterial contaminants and poisons in the meat. As a result, even if you know the deer is from a known healthy source, it is essential to proceed with caution and have the meat inspected by a professional.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

While the practice of keeping and using roadkill can help reduce waste, it is also important to consider the ethical and environmental implications. Running down a deer for its meat not only endangers the animal but also impacts the local ecosystem. Therefore, if you do decide to keep a deer after hitting it, it is crucial to follow the proper procedures and ensure you are fulfilling your duty as a responsible steward of the environment.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is possible to keep a deer that you have hit in the road, the practicality and legality of doing so depend on numerous factors. Whether you can legally, ethically, and safely keep the meat varies by state and requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. If you do decide to keep the deer, prioritizing the health, safety, and conservation of the environment should be your guiding principles.