The Road Kill Cafe

[FishinFools]

Picked up my kid from school today and drove past a big hunk of a turkey laying on the shoulder, seemingly taking a nap (ie not squished). Pulled a u-ey thinking "hey, looked pretty big, maybe we get to twist a beard early this year!?" Ended up being a jake, but couldn't have been dead more than 30 minutes...still toasty warm and not a mis-placed feather.

What a waste, I thought. Then...hmmm. with a proper phone call to the CO, we could have BBQ wild turkey breast for dinner tomorrow night!?

Is there a rule of thumb when a tragic end of life turns from "eats" to "road kill"? Or is that just a rigid definition on a coroners report? Not talking a squirrel or coon or possum...talking a nice turkey.

I guess if you actually SEE it killed, it's a much easier decision. We left it lay. Too bad. I like turkey.

[Powerstroke]

You had the right idea. Call the Co or local PD if there is roadkill and you think its worth keeping. I've done this many times if it looks clean and seems fresh.

I just finished processing a large buck that was hit by a car. The short version of the story is the cop had to put it down and the fire dept was called to clean up the blood. I offered to take the deer and the cop was grateful since he didn't want it to waste on the side of the road.

I ended up throwing out one front leg because it was so badly damaged by the car and there was a little bit of other bruised meat, but for the most part is was in great shape. This was probably the largest deer I've ever processed. A very nice shed buck. I now have an idea of a new place to walk for sheds.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Talk with your local PD or Sherriffs dept.

I can't speak for other areas, but in my neck of the prairie they have a list of names and phone numbers. If they respond to a car/deer, car/turkey, car/whatever critter and the driver doesn't want it, they start making phone calls to people.

I've gotten more than one road killed deer this way. If it's been totally sploded the deputy won't even call, but if it's salvagable they'll make a couple of calls. A guy may have to toss a leg or a quarter but if you can get there soon enough and get it gutted out you'll be amazed at how much of the carcass is usable.

It's a lot better than feeding the yotes.