Can You Keep Any Part of a Deer After Hitting it in Michigan?

The reason for the deer hunting season is to keep the deer population in check and provide those the opportunity to get venison meat. But unfortunately, hunting isn't the only way that Michiganders can bag a deer. Car and deer accidents happen all the time, but what happens to those deer after the accidents?

What Happens When You Hit a Deer in Michigan

The Michigan State Police says about "50,000 reported vehicle-deer crashes" happen in the Mitten State every year.

These accidents can range from a light run in to something deadly.

If you're lucky enough to walk away unscathed, but the deer not so much, you might be curious about what happens to the deer and its antlers in that situation.

First thing's first, if you're involved in a car/deer accident, you should call and report it to the police. Particularly if the deer is still alive but clearly suffering, the police can come put it out of its misery.

Can You Keep Any Part of a Deer After You Hit It?

Now, getting back to the deer. If you're curious about the meat, yes, you can take it... if you have a hunting permit.

Additionally, you can take the antlers, but only if you tell law enforcement what you plan on doing.

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Finally, if you want to keep any part of the deer, you'll need to reach out to the Michigan DNR to fill out a form for the vehicle roadkill program to let them know about the location of the deer. You can do that right on their website. There's no cost, but you'll need this permit with your info on it if you want to keep any part of the animal, including the antlers. It is illegal to possess the "antlers unless you fill out the roadkill salvage permit".