1. (1) Except as authorized by permit of the director or as otherwise provided by this section, it is unlawful to possess wildlife found dead. Wildlife found dead includes naturally shed antlers from deer, elk, and moose. Naturally shed antlers of deer, elk, and moose may be collected without a permit on open public land or private land with permission.
2. (2) It is unlawful to collect naturally shed antlers from deer, elk, and moose while trespassing, including on closed public lands or otherwise without permission.
3. (3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, an individual may remove and dispose of wildlife found dead on his or her property or an adjoining public roadway. Before removing the wildlife, the individual shall, by telephone, notify the department or the Washington state patrol communications office, and shall provide his or her name, address, telephone number, and the description and location of the wildlife. The individual may remove the wildlife for disposal only, and may not retain the wildlife for personal use or consumption. Other laws and rules may apply to the disposal, including rules of the department of health (WAC 246-203-121). Wildlife removed under this subsection remain the property of the state.

4. (4) It is permissible to salvage and transport a deer or elk that is accidentally killed by a motor vehicle collision.

   1. (a) Big game licenses and tags cannot be used for the purpose of salvaging motor vehicle-killed deer or elk.
   2. (b) A salvage permit must be obtained from the department within 24 hours of taking possession of the animal. Permits may be obtained on the department's website or at department regional offices.
   3. (c) The entire carcass, including entrails, of the animal must be removed from the road right of way.

   4. (d) In any WDFW management region where the department has detected chronic wasting disease, salvagers must submit to the department for chronic wasting disease sampling within five days of receiving a salvage permit:

      1. (i) The whole head with at least three inches of the neck attached; or
      2. (ii) Extracted lymph nodes to the department for chronic wasting disease sampling within five days of receiving a salvage permit.
   5. (e) Any meat an individual deems unfit for human consumption or unusable animal parts must be disposed of pursuant to WAC 246-203-121. Individuals salvaging and consuming this meat do so at their own risk. The department makes no guarantee as to the fitness for consumption of deer or elk collected under a salvage permit.
   6. (f) An individual may not kill an injured or wounded animal that they encounter for the purpose of salvage. Only a law enforcement officer or individuals or entities authorized by the department may euthanize an animal injured in a motor vehicle collision and that deer or elk may be taken for salvage.
5. (5) Any wildlife or wildlife parts taken, retrieved, collected, or possessed in violation of this section are subject to seizure and disposition under either or both RCW 77.15.100 and/or 77.15.070.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.08.030, 77.08.045, 77.12.047, 77.15.130, 77.15.400, 77.15.410, 77.15.430, 77.32.155, and 77.32.530. WSR 26-09-032 (Order 25-21), s 220-400-040, filed 4/7/26, effective 5/8/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 25-17-008 (Order 25-12), s 220-400-040, filed 8/7/25, effective 9/7/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.08.030, 77.12.610, 77.12.071, 77.145.010, and 77.145.020. WSR 25-09-078 (Order 24-16C), s 220-400-040, filed 4/16/25, effective 5/17/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-400-040, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090, and 77.32.155. WSR 16-12-087, § 232-12-287, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 03-16-087 (Order 03-175), § 232-12-287, filed 8/5/03, effective 9/5/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 95-10-026, § 232-12-287, filed 4/26/95, effective 5/27/95; WSR 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-287, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-180.]