Yes, keeping roadkill in Georgia is legal under specific conditions outlined by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). State law permits the salvage of certain wildlife species if reported within 24 hours and handled in compliance with DNR’s wildlife regulations, particularly for deer and other game species. However, non-game species may require additional permits, and local ordinances in municipalities like Atlanta or Savannah could impose stricter rules. Violations may result in fines up to $1,000 under Georgia’s Wildlife Code § 27-1-90.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Georgia
- Species Eligibility: Only legally harvestable species (e.g., white-tailed deer, wild turkey) may be kept without a permit if reported to DNR within 24 hours. Non-game species (e.g., raccoons, opossums) require an EPD-issued salvage permit.
- Reporting Requirements: Salvagers must notify DNR via the Georgia Wild app or hotline (1-800-241-4113) within 24 hours of discovery, providing location, species, and condition details.
- Disposal Restrictions: Carcasses must be processed or disposed of within 72 hours unless refrigerated. Improper handling (e.g., leaving carcasses on roadways) violates Georgia DOT and EPD guidelines, risking secondary citations.
Local jurisdictions may enforce additional protocols; for example, Fulton County mandates carcass removal within 48 hours to mitigate public health risks. Always cross-reference DNR’s 2026 Wildlife Management Plan updates, as seasonal restrictions (e.g., chronic wasting disease zones) may apply. Failure to adhere to these provisions constitutes a misdemeanor under O.C.G.A. § 27-1-93.