Iowa Deer Collision: The Rules on Keeping the Meat After an Accident!

When you’re driving in Iowa, the chances of encountering a deer are high, especially in rural areas. Deer are active during dawn and dusk, often wandering onto roadways. While hitting a deer can be a frightening experience, the bigger question that many drivers may have afterwards is whether they can keep the meat. In Iowa, as in other states, there are specific rules and regulations around what you can do if you hit a deer. Let’s take a look at the important facts.

What Happens After Hitting a Deer?

If you hit a deer, the first thing to do is to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers. If possible, move your car to the side of the road to avoid further accidents. Check the condition of the deer—if it is alive and injured, contact local wildlife authorities or animal control to deal with the situation. Never attempt to approach or handle an injured deer on your own.

Next, assess your car for any damage. Depending on the size of the deer, even a small collision can cause significant harm to your vehicle. You might need to call your insurance company to report the accident.

Once the immediate concerns are addressed, many people may wonder what they can do with the deer, especially if it has died.

Iowa Laws on Keeping Deer Meat

In Iowa, the law is clear regarding keeping the meat of a deer that you hit with your car. According to Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), if you accidentally hit a deer with your vehicle, you are allowed to keep the meat, but there are some important steps to follow.

1. Report the Accident: After hitting a deer, you need to contact local law enforcement or the Iowa DNR. They will provide you with the necessary permits to keep the deer. This is important because keeping a deer without the proper permission could result in fines or other legal consequences.
2. Obtain a Permit: In Iowa, the law requires you to obtain a “roadkill permit” to legally possess a deer that you hit with your vehicle. This permit allows you to take the deer’s meat and use it for personal consumption. Without this permit, taking the meat is considered illegal, even if the deer was struck by a car.
3. Follow State Regulations: Once you have the permit, you must follow regulations to ensure that the meat is handled safely. This includes properly butchering the meat, ensuring that it is used for personal consumption, and not selling it.
4. Handling and Processing the Meat: If you decide to keep the deer meat, it is essential to handle it with care. Deers that have been hit by vehicles are more likely to be bruised or damaged, which can impact the quality of the meat. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have the meat processed by a professional or someone with experience. Some people prefer to cook the meat right away, while others may want to have it frozen for later use.
5. The Ethical Considerations: While the idea of eating roadkill might sound strange to some, others argue that it is a way of making use of an animal that has unfortunately lost its life. For those who follow a sustainable or conservation-focused lifestyle, utilizing the meat of a deer that was killed by a vehicle can be seen as an ethical choice.
6. Why You Need the Permit: Requiring a roadkill permit helps the state monitor the deer population and ensure that hunters do not illegally take advantage of such opportunities. Iowa DNR keeps track of the number of permits issued to avoid over-harvesting or taking more deer than the state population can support.

What to Do If You Can’t Take the Deer

Not everyone is interested in keeping the meat of a deer they hit. In such cases, if you are not sure what to do with the deer or if you are unable to take the meat, the DNR or local wildlife organizations may arrange for the animal to be disposed of or donated to organizations that help feed those in need. In some cases, the deer may be used by conservation groups for educational purposes or research.

If you are unable to keep the deer meat but want to help in some way, contacting local wildlife centres or food banks may be a good option. These organizations often have programs that help distribute food to families in need, and a deer carcass can provide a source of meat to those who could benefit from it.

What Are the Risks?

Although you may be allowed to keep the deer meat, there are risks involved, particularly when it comes to the safety of the meat. Deer that are hit by vehicles may have injuries that can make the meat unsafe to eat. Here are some potential risks:

• Disease Transmission: Deer can carry diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which is harmful to both deer populations and potentially humans. The risk of disease transmission is why it’s essential to follow all regulations and guidelines when processing the meat. It’s also a good idea to have the meat tested for diseases before consuming it.
• Injury and Contamination: A deer hit by a vehicle may have internal injuries, which can lead to contamination of the meat. For this reason, it’s crucial to inspect the animal thoroughly before deciding to keep the meat.

Conclusion

If you hit a deer in Iowa, you can keep the meat as long as you follow state regulations and obtain the necessary permit. While many people may feel hesitant about eating roadkill, it’s important to understand that it can be done ethically and legally with the proper steps in place. Always prioritize safety when handling a situation like this, and if in doubt, consult with local authorities or the DNR for guidance.

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