Roadkill Officially on the Menu in California

by
posted on November 8, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
deer-manicured-grass.jpg
Giving the word "scavenger" a whole new meaning, California has recently joined 28 other states in legalizing the collection of roadkill for consumption. California governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 395 into law on Oct. 13, to try to stop the unnecessary waste of wild game, and start the collection of data on where and how most game is killed.

“Each year it is estimated that over 20,000 deer alone are hit by motor vehicles on California’s roadways,” the legislation reads. “This potentially translates into hundreds of thousands of pounds of healthy meat that could be used to feed those in need.”

A permit system for “persons desiring to recover, possess, use, or transport, for purposes of salvaging wild game meat for human consumption which has been accidentally killed as a result of a vehicle collision on a roadway within California” will soon be under development by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They have until 2022 to finish the process. Individuals interested will be required to apply for said permit, and report where and how the animal was killed, as well as where the carcass is taken. Certain roadways and species may be restricted for collection. 

For more information, the full text of the bill can be found here.

Latest

LEDE USFWS Proposes
LEDE USFWS Proposes

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

New for 2026: ALPS Mountaineering Micro Air Pump

ALPS Mountaineering has released its Micro Air portable air pump. Compact and convenient, this pump packs a punch of inflation and is small enough to be hooked to a keychain without sticking out. This air pump delivers plenty of power without worrying about a battery going dead because it is connected to an external power bank.

Cartridge Legacies: The .30-06 Springfield Family Tree

At this point in time, 120 years after its introduction, we hunters should be very familiar with the .30-06 Springfield. But the .30-06 Springfield is also a great dad, having a lineup of famous sons which have earned great reputations for themselves. Let’s dig deeper into the family tree.

First Look: Daisy Red Ryder 250th Anniversary Editions

Daisy Outdoor Products has released three special Red Ryders commemorating our county's 250th Anniversary.

NRA YHEC Nationals Happening in Arkansas

The NRA National Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) Nationals are currently in Bentonville, Ark., running from July 19 to 26, 2026.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.