You’re driving down a Tennessee highway when a deer suddenly jumps in front of your car. After the unfortunate collision, you might wonder if you can legally take the animal home. This situation happens more often than you’d think, and Tennessee has specific laws about what you can do with roadkill.
Tennessee Code TCA 70-4-115 allows you to take home wild game animals that are accidentally killed by motor vehicles, with some important exceptions. The state permits personal use and consumption of 28 different wild game species. However, you can’t take home non-game animals or federally protected wildlife species.
Understanding roadkill laws in Tennessee helps you stay legal while also reducing waste of natural resources. You’ll learn what animals you can claim, how to properly report and take roadkill, and what penalties exist for breaking these rules. These regulations apply whether you hit the animal yourself or find it already dead on the road.
Is It Legal to Take Roadkill in Tennessee?
Yes, it is legal to take roadkill in Tennessee for personal use and consumption. Tennessee law allows residents to collect 28 different wild game animals that have been accidentally killed by vehicles…