Finally! A bill out of Richmond that makes sense. Del. Tony Wilt out of Rockingham, authored a bill that allows people to pick up dead deer, bears, elk or turkeys that have been hit by vehicles. They call it the “roadkill bill” and it was passed by a vote of 99-0.
Now, if someone hits a deer that likely puts a dent in their car – or worse – they are allowed to pick the animal up, take it home and have it for dinner, or if they see a dead animal alongside of the road, they are welcome to it. The only stipulation is that they notify a sheriff or the DWR.
This will save the Highway Department a lot of time and effort and makes use of an animal that would otherwise become buzzard food.
I would expect that every Virginia driver has either hit a deer or knows someone who did. I have a friend in Bedford County who hit two deer in one morning. It’s a little easier to take a buck with a rifle, but a car bumper works, too, and there’s no closed season.
A great piece of legislation. Thanks, Del. Wilt.