New Oregon law allows roadkill harvest
Posted January 20, 2019 10:29 am.
Last Updated January 20, 2019 10:31 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OREGON (CP) – A new law that went into effect January 1st means people in Oregon are now able to harvest and eat roadkill — one of about 20 states in the U.S. to allow the practice.
People in Oregon must complete and submit an application for a permit within 24 hours of salvaging the elk or deer.
In Canada, the laws around roadkill vary by province and territory.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Inspector Richard Lyons says anyone who wants to pick up a road-killed deer for personal use is required to contact a Fish and Wildlife officer — and permission is given on a case-by-case basis.
“Normally, what we do on both authorization permits, is to indicate on there that the meat hasn’t been inspected, and in most cases we can’t confirm that it’s fit for human consumption,” he says.
Similar permits are provided in British Columbia and Yukon, while Ontarians can pick up roadkill without approval.
If it’s a large mammal, bird of prey or fur-bearing mammal, however, Ontarians also must register the move online.
But federal regulations prohibit people from selling meat unless it comes from a live, healthy animal so dead animals — such as roadkill — are not allowed to enter the food chain.
