Do You Know the Laws About Snagging Dead Deer From the Side of Illinois Roads?

Is anyone else scratching their head over a law regarding roadkill? Maybe this is common knowledge in the hunting world. I can't be the only person questioning the story behind this law.

Early fall is when deer are most spotted on Illinois roads. Why? Mating season.

ODDS OF HITTING A DEER IN IL

In an article from 2020, the odds of hitting a deer in the United States, in general, is 1 in 116. In Illinois, specifically, the odds are 1 in 148.

When it comes to deer being killed by a motor vehicle, there is no limit to the number of deer that may be possessed.

If should be noted, any deer-related motor vehicle traffic accidents are required to be reported to appropriate law enforcement.

BUT WHAT ARE THE RULES?

Here come the laws about taking a deer home after you've accidentally(?) slaughtered Bambi.

It is 100% legal to possess a deceased deer along an Illinois road. First, it must be reported, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

An Illinois resident/driver of a motor vehicle involved in a vehicle-deer collision has priority in legally possessing white-tailed deer killed/injured as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle.

If someone chooses not to take the dead deer into their possession someone else can snag it, as long as they qualify.

If the driver does not take possession of the deer before leaving the collision scene, any citizen of Illinois who is not delinquent in child support may possess and transport the deer.

Sorry visitors, non-Illinois residents may not claim a road-killed deer.

There are laws in place in regards to finding a dead or injured deer that is unrelated to a motor vehicle accident or lawful hunting too. You can find information about everything here.