The Surprising Texas Law About Roadkill

For a state that prides itself on brisket, hunting season, and “don’t let it go to waste” energy, this Texas law might surprise you.

I just found out that if you accidentally hit a deer in Texas, you cannot take it home for dinner! In Texas! I had to figure this one out and it seems like the reasoning makes sense.

Texas Law Says Roadkill Is Illegal to Possess

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, any animal killed by a vehicle on a roadway is considered killed by illegal means. That makes it illegal to possess, even if it was an accident.

READ MORE: Possum Kingdom is a Real Place in Texas

This rule changed in 2007. Before then, certain nongame wildlife could legally be collected from road surfaces. But that created problems, both on the highway and in the courtroom. Now it’s a clear no.

Texas Closed a Major Poaching Loophole

The biggest reason behind the ban isn’t anti-venison. It’s anti-poaching.

Before the rule change, someone could illegally shoot a deer and then claim it was “salvaged roadkill.” By outlawing possession entirely, Texas eliminated that defense so there’s no gray area. No roadside excuses.

Texas Safety Comes First

There’s also a practical reason: safety. Officials say there’s no way to guarantee that roadkill is safe to eat. The animal could have been sick. Bacteria spreads quickly. And unless you witnessed it happen, you don’t know how long it’s been there.

Plus, people stopping along busy Texas highways to load up a deer? Not exactly safe for anyone involved.

You can legally hunt deer in Texas during the proper season with the proper license. You just can’t accidentally hunt one with your vehicle and call it dinner. It’s one of those laws that feels almost un-Texas at first, until you realize it protects wildlife, closes loopholes, and keeps drivers safe.

READ MORE: Not All Texas Car Thefts Are Random

So if you hit a deer, pull over safely, call local authorities if needed, and just leave the animal where it is.