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Wildlife Officials To Drivers: Don't Salvage Any Struck Deer Or Elk Until 2019

Don Graham
/
Flickr.com

It’s peak season for collisions between cars and deer or elk.  But wildlife officials say for those wanting to salvage any roadkill, that’s not allowed yet.  KLCC’s Brian Bull explains.  

This time of year is when deer and elk are moving from higher to lower elevations for the winter…and it’s breeding season for the deer.

Michelle Dennehy of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says there’s been lots of calls this year after media reported on the state legislature approving a bill allowing drivers to salvage roadkilled game. 

“And people saw the story and they just assumed that the law was already in effect and it’s not," Dennehy tells KLCC.  "But it will be by January 1st, 2019. 

"As with any new rule affecting wildlife, it’ll go through our Fish and Wildlife Commission. So if you have strong opinions about it, you’re welcome to stay on top of that, and give us your public comments sometime next year as we get that rolling.” 

Rules are still being developed that’ll help discourage poaching or inappropriate gathering of antlers.  For now, any roadkilled animals can be reported to state authorities, who may salvage and donate the meat to local food banks.

Copyright 2017, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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