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Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

Claim a Road Kill

Deer Accidentally Killed/Injured by Motor Vehicles and Methods other than Lawful Hunting

There is no limit to the number of deer that may be possessed under these circumstances. No part of a deer so killed can be bartered or sold. Except for law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties, it is illegal to kill a deer:

  • crippled by a collision with a motor vehicle.
  • ​crippled by methods other than lawful hunting unless permission has been obtained from a Conservation Police Officer. Contact list of officers by county.

The State of Illinois is absolved of any and all liability associated with the handling or utilization of vehicle-killed deer and deer killed by methods other than lawful hunting. Motorists are also reminded to report deer-related traffic accidents to appropriate law enforcement agencies when such reporting is required.

Collision with a motor vehicle

An Illinois resident/driver of a motor vehicle involved in a vehicle-deer collision has priority in legally possessing white-tailed deer killed/injured as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle. If the driver does not take possession of the deer before leaving the collision scene, any citizen of Illinois who is not delinquent in child support may possess and transport the deer. Non-residents may not claim a road-killed deer. Individuals claiming such a deer must report the possession within 24 hours through our Claim a Road Kill Deer Report Form. This form is for reporting possession of deer killed by vehicle collision only.

Killed/injured by methods other than lawful hunting or a vehicle/deer accident

Any individual finding a dead or crippled deer, other than those killed/injured in a vehicle/deer collision or legally taken by hunting methods, may not transport said deer parts until permission is obtained from a Conservation Police Officer. Permission will be granted if it is determined that the person requesting possession did not illegally kill or injure the deer. When retained, the head/antler and hide shall be properly tagged with an irremovable tag obtained from a Conservation Police Officer. These tags must remain attached as long as the head/antler or hide remains in the green state, or while in a commercial manufacturing process.