Yes, Wyoming law permits the salvage of roadkill under strict conditions. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) regulates possession via permits, requiring immediate reporting and documentation to avoid violations. Recent 2026 updates mandate GPS coordinates for salvage sites to curb illegal trafficking.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Wyoming
- Permit Requirement: A free salvage permit from WGFD is mandatory before retrieving any roadkill, with exceptions for deer and elk only during specific seasons (e.g., fall archery and rifle seasons).
- Reporting Deadlines: Roadkill must be reported to WGFD within 24 hours via their online portal or hotline, including species, location, and condition, to ensure compliance with wildlife management protocols.
- Possession Limits: Only edible portions may be retained for personal use; skulls, hides, or other parts require additional permits from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to prevent illegal trade.
Non-compliance risks fines up to $5,000 under WGFD’s 2025 enforcement guidelines, particularly for failure to report or transporting unpermitted carcasses across county lines. Local sheriff’s departments collaborate with WGFD to patrol high-incidence zones, such as I-80 corridors near Laramie. Always verify species-specific rules, as protected species (e.g., sage-grouse) prohibit salvage entirely.