Pennsylvania’s deer population is in the midst of its “rut,” which means increased movement of deer during mating season, and an increase in deer/vehicle collisions. Pennsylvania leads the nation in that category, with each motorist facing a 1-in-59 chance that they will hit a deer in a given year, according to a report cited by the state Game Commission.
But if you hit a deer, can you keep it and butcher it? Yes. According to the Game Commission, the driver whose vehicle hits the animal has dibs on it, but someone else can claim it if the driver does not want it. To keep a deer carcass, you must call 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD and you will be provided with a free permit number, which you should write down. You must call within 24 hours of taking possession of the deer.
If you hit a deer and it does not die, you can’t just shoot it. You have to call the Game Commission and let them handle it.
To report a dead deer for removal from state-owned roads, call PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.
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