WDFW approves deer salvage in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties

RIDGEFIELD — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has approved a rule change that will allow people to salvage deer accidentally killed in motor vehicle collisions in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties. The rule went into effect on May 17.

Previously, deer salvage was prohibited in these counties to prevent the accidental or intentional possession of federally protected Columbian white-tailed deer. Under this rule, the salvage of deer — specifically black-tailed deer — and elk is allowed with a WDFW-issued roadkill salvage permit.

It remains illegal to salvage, handle, or possess Columbian white-tailed deer in Washington.

“We carefully reviewed available data and determined the risk of mistakenly salvaging Columbian white-tailed deer is low,” said Kyle Garrison, WDFW’s ungulate section manager. “This rule change expands salvage opportunities for black-tailed deer, in addition to elk, while continuing to support protections for Columbian white-tailed deer.”

If salvagers find a dead Columbian white-tailed deer, do not salvage the animal and report your observation to WDFW immediately. Learn how to identify Columbian white-tailed deer online.

The salvage of deer and elk is only allowed for animals killed in motor vehicle collisions. Anyone who takes possession of a deer or elk carcass is required to obtain a free roadkill salvage permit within 24 hours. Printable permits are available online or at WDFW regional offices.

More information about roadkill salvage, including carcass transport regulations and rules regarding Chronic Wasting Disease, is available on WDFW’s roadkill salvage permit webpage.

Washington began allowing roadkill salvage statewide in 2016, joining nearly 20 other states with similar regulations. Under that rule, only elk salvage was allowed in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties due to the presence of federally protected Columbian white-tailed deer.

Columbian white-tailed deer are found in two distinct populations — one in southwest Washington (Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties) and northwest Oregon (Clatsop and Columbia counties), and another in southwest Oregon’s Douglas County.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission reclassified Columbian white-tailed deer from state-endangered to threatened in 2023 following a periodic status review. Recent estimates show the population in Washington grew from a low of 545 deer in 2002 to 1,296 in 2022.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.