Yes, Tennessee permits the salvage of certain roadkill under strict wildlife conservation statutes, provided specific conditions are met. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regulates species eligibility, reporting requirements, and possession limits to balance public safety with ecological preservation. Recent 2026 amendments to TWRA Rule 1660-1-15 now mandate electronic reporting within 48 hours for deer and elk carcasses to curb illegal trafficking.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Tennessee
- Species Eligibility: Only legally designated game species (e.g., white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrels) may be salvaged. Non-game species, including most birds and reptiles, are prohibited under TWRA’s 2025 species protection list.
- Permit Requirements: A free Salvage Permit is mandatory for possession, obtainable via the TWRA’s ePermitting system. Permits are species-specific and non-transferable, with violations punishable under Tennessee Code Annotated § 70-4-106.
- Reporting & Disposal: Carcasses must be reported to the TWRA within 48 hours of discovery (Rule 1660-1-15.03). Salvaged meat requires refrigeration at ≤40°F and must be processed within 5 days or surrendered to a licensed landfill to prevent disease transmission.