Yes, Utah permits the salvage of certain roadkill under strict wildlife regulations. State law allows individuals to keep legally obtained roadkill if reported to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) within 24 hours and if the species is not protected under state or federal law. Recent 2026 amendments to Utah Code § 23-20-10.5 clarify salvage protocols, requiring GPS-tagged documentation for big game species to deter illegal trafficking.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Utah
- Permissible Species: Only non-protected species (e.g., deer, elk, moose, pronghorn) may be salvaged. Federally protected species (e.g., bald eagles, wolves) are strictly off-limits under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act.
- Reporting Requirements: Salvagers must notify the DWR via its online portal or hotline within 24 hours, providing species, location, and condition of the carcass. Failure to report risks misdemeanor charges under Utah Admin. Code R657-13-12.
- Possession Limits: A maximum of two big game carcasses may be retained per person annually. Transporting carcasses across state lines without DWR-issued salvage tags violates Utah’s interstate wildlife regulations.
Local enforcement prioritizes compliance with Utah’s 2026 “Roadkill Salvage Enhancement Act,” which mandates carcass inspection by DWR officers within 72 hours of reporting. Unreported or improperly handled carcasses may be seized under Utah Code § 23-20-11, with penalties including fines up to $1,000 and license suspension. Always verify species eligibility with the DWR’s 2026 species list before salvage.