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

Elk Hunting At 101
Elk Hunting At 101

Elk Hunting at 101

Dick Blossom took a cow elk last fall in his home state of Montana at the age of 101. Calvin Coolidge was in the White House when he was born, and the Great Depression and Dust Bowl were years in the future.

New for 2026: TriStar Upland Hunter Thumbhole

TriStar Arms has introduced the Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock, a 20-gauge over/under shotgun built for the field.

Savage Releases the Next Generation of the Model 110

Savage Arms has announced a new era of its legacy Model 110. The new chapter of this platform features 16 purpose-built models and spans hundreds of new SKUs, including new cartridge offerings and left-hand models.

Duck Hunting with a Sub Gauge

Curious about dropping ducks with a sub gauge? Follow along as Scott Haugen details the pros and cons of running subs.

New for 2026: TAG Precision FiberLok SG Pro Shotgun Sight

Tag Precision announces the introduction of the FiberLok SG Pro Shotgun Sight, a new front sight designed to elevate the shotgun shooting experience through faster target acquisition.

Mule Deer Foundation Renews BLM Agreement, Receives Conservation Grant

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has awarded the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) with a $744,000 grant to expand efforts to restore habitat and improve wildlife connectivity across the Northern Great Plains.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.