Yes, Illinois permits the salvage of certain roadkill under strict wildlife conservation statutes. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regulates species-specific exceptions, requiring immediate reporting and proper documentation to avoid poaching violations.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Illinois
- Species Eligibility: Only deer, turkey, and furbearers (e.g., raccoons, opossums) may be salvaged, per IDNR’s 2024 Wildlife Code revisions. Endangered or protected species (e.g., eagles, bobcats) are strictly prohibited.
- Reporting Mandates: Salvagers must notify IDNR within 24 hours via the IDNR Roadkill Salvage Portal or hotline (1-800-832-2016), including GPS coordinates and species details.
- Possession Limits: A maximum of two salvaged animals per species per year is enforced; commercial resale is banned under the Wildlife Code §1.36.
Non-compliance risks misdemeanor charges under the Illinois Poaching Act, with fines up to $2,500 and potential license suspension. Local ordinances (e.g., Cook County’s 2026 wildlife ordinance) may impose additional restrictions. Always verify county-specific rules before retrieval.