Can You Claim Your “Road-Kill” in Illinois?

Hear me out, this article is not nearly as gross as you think. I grew up in Iowa, so naturally I learned at a fairly young age that you can most certainly claim a deer you've hit with your car (we're not talking racoons, possums, and other freeway dining options). So far in my life I have been involved in around 5 auto/deer accidents. Of them, I distinctly remember my parents for sure claiming at least 2 of those deer, and (if I'm being honest) if I could have found the deer that I hit 8 years ago, I probably would have claimed it too. So that brought me to today's question, can you claim a deer from an auto wreck in Illinois?

Turns out yes, but in Illinois there are specific guidelines and regulations you need to follow if you want to claim a deer that has been accidentally killed or injured by a motor vehicle, or by methods other than lawful hunting. So, if you’re wondering how to turn that unfortunate road encounter into some venison stew or deer jerky (my favorite), buckle up and read on!

If you find yourself involved in a vehicle-deer collision, you have the first right to claim the deer. As the driver, you can legally possess the deer involved in the collision. However, if you decide not to take the deer with you before leaving the scene, any other Illinois resident can claim it, provided they aren't delinquent in child support. (Sorry, non-residents, you’re out of luck— but don’t fawn over it too much!) It’s important to note that if you do claim a road-killed deer, you must report the possession within 24 hours using the Claim a Road Kill Deer Report Form. This form is specifically for deer killed in vehicle collisions.

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For deer that have been killed or injured by methods other than vehicle collisions or lawful hunting, the rules are a bit different. You cannot transport or possess parts of such a deer without first obtaining permission from a Conservation Police Officer. This ensures that the deer was not illegally killed or injured. Once you have the necessary permission, the head, antlers, and hide of the deer must be tagged with an irremovable tag provided by the officer. These tags must remain attached as long as the parts are in a green state or during any commercial manufacturing process. Talk about a stag-gering amount of paperwork!

It's also important to remember that you cannot sell or barter any part of a road-killed deer. Additionally, only law enforcement officers performing their duties can legally kill a deer that is crippled by a vehicle or other means, unless you have obtained permission from a Conservation Police Officer. After all, we wouldn’t want anyone to buck the system!

By the way, the State of Illinois is not liable for any issues that may arise from handling or utilizing vehicle-killed deer. Additionally, motorists should report any deer-related traffic accidents to the appropriate law enforcement agencies as required.

By following these guidelines, you can legally and responsibly claim a road-killed deer in Illinois (for you, a friend, or family member) while ensuring you comply with all state regulations and conservation laws. So next time you encounter Bambi on the road, you’ll know exactly what to do. I mean, the critter already smashed up your car; you may as well get a free meal out of it.