Yes, North Dakota allows the salvage of certain roadkill under strict wildlife management statutes administered by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD). Residents may lawfully possess deer, pronghorn, and moose carcasses found dead on public roads, provided they report the incident to NDGFD within 24 hours and obtain a salvage permit. The practice is contingent on compliance with disease surveillance protocols and prohibitions on commercial resale.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in North Dakota
- Permit Requirement: A free salvage permit must be obtained from NDGFD within one day of discovery; permits are issued via the department’s online portal or by phone to track wildlife mortality data for chronic wasting disease monitoring.
- Species Eligibility: Only legally classified game species (e.g., white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, moose) may be salvaged; protected or non-game species (e.g., coyotes, foxes) remain subject to disposal mandates under N.D. Admin. Code § 57-36-01.
- Disposal Restrictions: Salvaged carcasses may not be sold, bartered, or transported out of state; improper handling violates N.D. Cent. Code § 20.1-03-01, triggering potential misdemeanor penalties and mandatory carcass disposal by NDGFD.