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Road Kill: Pick It Up, or Let It Rot?
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August 31, 2009
Road Kill: Pick It Up, or Let It Rot?
By Ben Romans
I am not above harvesting roadkill. OK, let me rephrase that a little... I don’t like seeing animals wasting away along the shoulder of the highway.
I was meeting my family for a farewell-to-summer camping trip this past weekend, and on my way out of town, a small coyote darted in front of traffic ahead of us and unfortunately didn’t make it to the other side (alive). Despite the pleas of my brother and wife to leave the 'yote alone, I pulled over, put him in the truck, and skinned him at the campsite. I figured why let a pelt go to waste? It was a fresh kill, I wasn’t breaking the law, and I was doing the highway department a favor by picking up something that was bound to rot. Was I wrong?
Along those same lines, when I lived in Pennsylvania, I saw a dump truck put the final KO on a 6-point whitetail in late October. I called the Fish & Game office and received permission to pick up the buck and take it to the butcher. A few days later, I loaded my freezer with pounds of steak and burger without ever punching a deer tag. Turned out to be some of the tastiest game meat I’ve had.
So am I crazy or sick? If it’s legal, and the animal isn’t spoiled, is it wrong to scavenge from the driver’s seat? I want an honest opinion here, because as fall approaches, I’m sure I’ll see more treasures next to the rumble strips. —Ben
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Just yesterday we nearly hit a squirrel... The little guy was strolling across the street then ran back across right in front of us.
I dont believe this is wrong. I hit a pheasant and picked that up. I have also been know to pick up squirrels that I see get hit in front of me and freeze them for a hearty stew when I want and interesting flavor during the winter months. And this is all completly legal.
I've never done it, but I'm certainly not against it. Perhaps I may harvest som road kill some day...
I've hit a grouse before, and it tasted pretty good!
You're definitely right Ben, and I think letting roadkill (fresh roadkill) go to waste is ridiculous. If it gets hit by you or right in front of you, I think it's our duty as sportsmen to use the animal so that it is not killed in vain. This might make us look like cavemen to anti-hunters, but neutral non-hunters will respect us for it.
If you hit it or see it hit so you know the age of the meat or pelt then I would say that using that meat/pelt is a responsible option, possibly the only responsible option.
Living in Eastern Oregon I've hit and seen hit several deers both whitetail and mule deer and they all tasted just fine to my family and I. I do have to admit the first time I stopped to pick up a fresh kill my wife thought I was kidding then she thought I was nuts but after deboneing and getting rid of the "bad meat" she was suprized how much deer you can put in the freezer. I've not had the pleasure of finding any elk yet but would like to be there if it were to be hit. I have also never had any other animals that I have seen hit or hit myself but squirrels, racoons, possiums, couger, bear or most every meat SHOULD be harvested if it is seen being hit and killed by a car or truck. I think it would be a crime to waste meat and even if you did not need it you could take it to a local food bank so it does not go to waste as there are familys out there who would love the meat. Thank you to all for the question and comments.
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Just yesterday we nearly hit a squirrel... The little guy was strolling across the street then ran back across right in front of us.
I dont believe this is wrong. I hit a pheasant and picked that up. I have also been know to pick up squirrels that I see get hit in front of me and freeze them for a hearty stew when I want and interesting flavor during the winter months. And this is all completly legal.
I've never done it, but I'm certainly not against it. Perhaps I may harvest som road kill some day...
I've hit a grouse before, and it tasted pretty good!
You're definitely right Ben, and I think letting roadkill (fresh roadkill) go to waste is ridiculous. If it gets hit by you or right in front of you, I think it's our duty as sportsmen to use the animal so that it is not killed in vain. This might make us look like cavemen to anti-hunters, but neutral non-hunters will respect us for it.
If you hit it or see it hit so you know the age of the meat or pelt then I would say that using that meat/pelt is a responsible option, possibly the only responsible option.
Living in Eastern Oregon I've hit and seen hit several deers both whitetail and mule deer and they all tasted just fine to my family and I. I do have to admit the first time I stopped to pick up a fresh kill my wife thought I was kidding then she thought I was nuts but after deboneing and getting rid of the "bad meat" she was suprized how much deer you can put in the freezer. I've not had the pleasure of finding any elk yet but would like to be there if it were to be hit. I have also never had any other animals that I have seen hit or hit myself but squirrels, racoons, possiums, couger, bear or most every meat SHOULD be harvested if it is seen being hit and killed by a car or truck. I think it would be a crime to waste meat and even if you did not need it you could take it to a local food bank so it does not go to waste as there are familys out there who would love the meat. Thank you to all for the question and comments.
Post a Comment