Yes, Ohio law permits the salvage of certain roadkill under strict wildlife management protocols. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) authorizes the possession of deer, wild turkey, and other game species killed by vehicles, provided the finder reports the incident and complies with salvage timelines. Recent 2026 amendments to Ohio Administrative Code § 1501:31-15-03 clarify reporting requirements for non-game species, aligning with federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act exemptions. Failure to adhere to these provisions may result in misdemeanor charges under ORC § 1533.14.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Ohio
- Species Eligibility: Only legally classified game species (e.g., white-tailed deer, wild turkey) or non-protected species (e.g., raccoons, opossums) may be salvaged. Federally protected birds (e.g., eagles) require immediate ODNR or USFWS notification.
- Reporting Requirements: The finder must file a roadkill salvage report via the ODNR’s Wild Ohio app within 24 hours for game species or 72 hours for non-game species, including GPS coordinates and vehicle damage details.
- Possession Limits & Use: Salvaged game may be retained for personal consumption or donation but may not be sold. Non-game species must be processed within 5 days of reporting to prevent spoilage under Ohio EPA food safety guidelines.