People involved in deer-related car accidents often don’t initially consider what to do with the deer. However, in Illinois, many eventually contemplate this, leading the state to establish a program for residents to legally claim roadkill deer. This initiative allows individuals to process the meat for food, have the animal taxidermied, or use parts for various purposes.
Illinois Conservation Police Captain Josh Mooi explained that most vehicle accident claims result in individuals processing the deer for personal consumption or taxidermy. If someone wishes to undertake any activity related to roadkill deer, they must first obtain permission from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
Illinois Roadkill Deer Program Details
Annually, the IDNR processes roughly 2,500 roadkill deer claims statewide. In counties such as Cook and surrounding areas, there are approximately 180 claims each year. Interested individuals can begin the process via the agency’s dedicated website.
Butcher John Schalz, who specializes in wild game processing at John’s Elgin Market, emphasized the value of not wasting the meat from roadkill deer. He processes around 20 deer annually, providing steak cuts, sausage, and jerky. Schalz requires proper documentation from the IDNR before accepting any deer for processing.
The Significance of Documentation
Mooi noted documentation serves two purposes. It assists biologists in tracking deer populations and trends, helping determine if deer are thriving or becoming a nuisance. Additionally, it ensures legal possession, similar to hunting laws.
Illinois residents must complete an online form with basic information to obtain a tag number for claiming deer. Conservation officers are summoned to euthanize injured deer, with information available on the state’s website.
State law restricts roadkill deer claims to Illinois residents who are not delinquent on child support, although Mooi is uncertain why this stipulation exists.
Roadkill Utilization
State law prohibits selling any form of roadkill deer. While processed meat is limited to personal consumption, taxidermied pieces can be gifted but not sold.
Documentation also applies to non-car related deer fatalities, such as those from fences, snares, or predators.
Taxidermist Tom Rancak works on unique pieces like locked antlers from two deer. He handles about two or three roadkill deer annually, with requests typically stemming from individuals who discover rather than hit the animal.
Taxidermist Jim Nelligan noted the rarity of roadkill deer projects due to preferred hunting trophies. Taxidermy can take up to 18 months and cost approximately $1,000.
Processing and Flavor Considerations
The average butcher costs around $200 and takes just a few days to process meat, yielding about 75 pounds from one deer. Schalz dismissed claims that an adrenaline spike post-collision affects meat flavor, stating all deer experience adrenaline whether hunted or hit by a vehicle.
Mooi has tried roadkill deer from trusted sources, noting the importance of processing the meat promptly to avoid quality issues.
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