Kansas sheriff's office offers to salvage roadkill venison

WABAUNSEE COUNTY (KSNT) - Would you like to be put on a list to pick up freshly road-killed venison?

That's what the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office is offering residents; the opportunity to be placed on a call roster to pick up deer that have been killed in vehicle strikes. The sheriff's office wrote the whitetail 'reproduction party' is kicking off and anyone who's interested in deer salvage titles should contact their office.

"Many of us are AVID hunters & conservationists, we hate seeing salvageable Deer struck by cars go to waste," Undersheriff Eric Kirsch wrote on social media. "If you get a call, we'll have a viable Deer available for you to legally collect. Might be a Buck or Doe. Either way you'll be issued a legal salvage tag when you arrive on scene to collect your animal."

According to Kirsch, the salvage tag registry offer was started in September 2022 and since then has salvaged between 50 and 80 deer. Kirsch noted it's illegal to pick up carcasses on the side of the road without a salvage tag.

"Please be aware that you may get a call super late at night/early AM," Kirsch wrote. "Help us make the best out of a vehicle strike by harvesting the animal."

Kirsch said you should provide a name, phone number and tell the sheriff's office where you live in the county to be placed on the roster. You can contact the sheriff's office by calling 785-765-3323.

"Whether it’s a family in need or people interested in eating wild game, we have a geographical roster covering all parts of the county," Kirsch said.

A spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) said salvage tags can be issued by Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, sheriff's deputies and KDWP game wardens. If you would like to learn more about salvage tags in your area, click here.

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