Yes, Texas law permits the salvage of certain roadkill under strict conditions. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulates species like deer, hogs, and turkey, requiring immediate notification and proper documentation to avoid poaching charges. Recent 2026 amendments to the Texas Wildlife Code now mandate GPS tracking for large-game salvage permits, aligning with federal conservation standards.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Texas
- Species Eligibility: Only non-protected species (e.g., feral hogs, white-tailed deer, turkey) may be salvaged. Endangered or protected species (e.g., black bears, roadrunners) are off-limits without special permits.
- Notification & Documentation: Salvagers must report the kill to TPWD within 24 hours via the My Texas Hunt Harvest app or local game wardens. Possession without a salvage tag risks misdemeanor charges under Texas Penal Code § 42.09.
- Possession Limits: Salvaged meat or parts must be retained for personal use; commercial distribution requires a TPWD-issued wildlife dealer’s license. Local ordinances (e.g., Harris County’s 2025 biosafety protocols) may impose additional storage and disposal rules.
Failure to comply with TPWD’s Roadkill Salvage Guidelines (updated Q1 2026) may result in fines up to $2,000 or revocation of hunting privileges. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews are exempt but must transfer salvage rights to licensed individuals. Always verify county-specific restrictions, as some municipalities (e.g., Dallas) prohibit roadkill possession entirely under nuisance abatement ordinances.