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

Gear LEDE
Gear LEDE

End of Season Gear List

Did your trusty multitool disappear somewhere in the backcountry this season? Boots finally lose the last lugs on their outsole? Check out this list for some handy replacements sure to go the extra mile.

Barnett Introduces New Crossbows for 2026

Barnett is kicking off 2026 with a host of introductions, including a new crossbow in one of its most popular families, as well as a whole new crossbow series.

New for 2026: Ol' Man Outdoors Hang-On Stands

Ol'Man Outdoors has introduced two new hang-on stands: the lightweight Eagle Eye (OT-501) and the feature-rich Top Dog Deluxe (OT-504).

Perfect mARC Introduces the Navigator Whistle in Bottomland

Perfect mARC has announced the release of its flagship Navigator retriever whistle in Mossy Oak Bottomland, bringing an iconic camouflage style to a tool built for serious retriever training and hunting.

Reviewed: Montana Knife Company Speedgoat 2.0

There are thousands of knives out there to choose from. Out of the dozens of knives I personally own, this one from Montana Knife Company clearly stands out as a hunter’s top-tier tool.

Hardware Review: Henry SPD HUSH

If you’re a lever action traditionalist, the Henry Special Product Division (SPD) HUSH may befuddle you. Not only does the SPD HUSH eschew traditional features, but it’s also purpose built for something that ol’ Benjamin Tyler Henry could never have imagined. HUSH is short for Henry’s Ultimate Suppressor Host.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.