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

Ledesavings Worth Strutting Over
Ledesavings Worth Strutting Over

Savings Worth Strutting Over

Several major ammo companies are running big savings for turkey hunters this season. Read on to find out how you can take advantage.

Full Camp, Filled Tags: An Elk Hunt in Utah

After years away from elk hunting, the author’s reentry into the pastime culminates in an awesome week in northern Utah where 11 elk hunters and 10 mule deer hunters fill their tags.

New for 2026: Bond Arms Snake Slayer

The Bond Arms Snake Slayer has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted and versatile defensive firearms for outdoor use, favored my backpackers and other outdoorsman looking for lightweight snake defense.

#SundayGunday: Dead Air Sandman X

Dead Air Silencers of Heber, Utah, launched Sandman suppressors 10 years ago. Now, after a decade on the market, the company has released the Sandman X. It’s a professional-grade can ready for heavy-duty use that leverages Dead Air’s decades of experience to optimize sound, balance backpressure and eliminate muzzle flash. For more information, check out this exclusive video.

10 Illuminating Facts About This Age of the Trophy Whitetail

So, here we are in the off-season. Whatever any of us saw from our stands last fall, it is interesting (and to some extent helpful) to know how things are trending with the whitetail herd. So, here are 10 illuminating facts about this age of the trophy whitetail.

NWTF Receives Winchester Legend Award

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) received the highly coveted Winchester Legend Award during its 50th Convention and Sport Show in February.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.