17-319. Big game animals; carcasses; possession and transportation; salvage permit; requirements; violation; classification
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the carcass of a big game animal may be possessed and transported if a peace officer or an authorized employee of the department issues a big game salvage permit. A big game salvage permit is not transferable and may be issued only as follows:
1. If the big game animal has been killed as a result of an accidental collision with a motor vehicle, to the driver of the motor vehicle or to an individual wishing to possess the carcass.
2. If the big game animal is euthanized by a peace officer or authorized employee of the department as a result of injuries sustained by an accidental collision with a motor vehicle, to the driver of the motor vehicle or to an individual wishing to possess the carcass.
3. If the big game animal died as a result of natural causes, to the individual who reports the big game animal carcass.
4. If the big game animal subsequently dies or is euthanized by a peace officer or authorized employee of the department as the result of an injury sustained from natural causes, to the individual who reports the injured big game animal.
B. The department shall provide big game salvage permit forms to peace officers on request. The salvage permit form shall require the following information:
1. The name and address of the individual receiving the salvage permit.
2. A description of the big game animal that was killed or euthanized.
3. The date on which the salvage permit is issued.
4. The specific location of the big game animal.
5. A description of the motor vehicle, if applicable.
6. The destination where the carcass will be transported.
7. The name of the peace officer or the authorized employee of the department who issued the salvage permit.
C. The peace officer or the authorized employee of the department shall:
1. Complete all of the information required on the salvage permit.
2. Give the original of the salvage permit to the driver of the motor vehicle or the individual wishing to possess the carcass.
3. Provide a copy of the salvage permit to the department within forty-eight hours after issuing the permit.
D. A peace officer or an authorized employee of the department may inspect the carcass before issuing the big game salvage permit.
E. A person who possesses the carcass of a big game animal pursuant to this section may make a gift of the carcass or parts to another individual.
F. A big game salvage permit issued under this section does not represent or imply that any part of the carcass is edible. The peace officer or the authorized employee of the department issuing the salvage permit, the agency employing the peace officer and the department are not liable with respect to any use made of the carcass.
G. A big game salvage permit may not be issued for a big game animal that the peace officer or authorized employee of the department suspects is diseased or spoiled.
H. A person who possesses the carcass of a big game animal under authority of a big game salvage permit that was obtained by fraud is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.