Yes, Montana law permits the salvage of roadkill under specific conditions outlined in the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) regulations. The state allows individuals to retain certain wildlife carcasses found on public roads, provided they comply with reporting and handling protocols to prevent disease transmission and ensure public safety.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Montana
- Reporting Requirement: Any roadkill must be reported to local law enforcement or the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) within 24 hours of discovery. Failure to report may result in penalties under FWP’s 2026 enforcement guidelines.
- Permitted Species: Only legally classified game species (e.g., deer, elk, moose) or non-game species not protected under federal law may be salvaged. Federally protected species (e.g., bald eagles) are strictly prohibited.
- Possession Limits: Salvaged carcasses may not be sold or bartered; they are for personal use only. MDT’s 2025-2026 compliance directives emphasize strict adherence to these limits to curb illegal wildlife trafficking.
Montana’s framework balances public safety with resource conservation, mandating adherence to FWP’s Salvage Permit Program for non-game species. Local sheriff’s departments and FWP wardens conduct routine inspections to verify compliance, particularly in high-incidence roadkill zones like Gallatin and Flathead Counties. Ignoring these regulations risks misdemeanor charges under Montana Code Annotated § 87-1-215.