Is It Illegal to Hit a Deer and Drive Off? Consider the Facts

Think about it. When was the last time you saw a deer? They tend to stick to wooded areas, and you can’t see them from your front lawn more often than not. However, before you hit the throttle and zoom off like there’s no tomorrow, it would be wise to check if is it illegal to hit a deer and drive off in your state. 

Driving away may seem like an obvious solution for someone who doesn’t want their car stuck in mud or snow any longer than necessary but what about the laws of your particular state? Even though most states have laws banning people from hunting in certain parts of towns and cities (especially residential ones), some still allow people to hit a deer while driving off. As such, if you intend on hitting a deer while driving off, here are some things that you need to consider first.

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Is It Illegal to Hit a Deer and Drive Off?

Before we continue, let’s first clarify the legal issue of hitting a Deer. A few states specifically allow people to hit a deer while driving off. For example, Texas law states that you can hit a deer while operating a motor vehicle and drive off before retrieving the animal if you do not care for the dead deer. However, other states prohibit this practice all together. You are now moving on. Is it illegal to hit a deer and drive off? Unlike many things in life, it completely depends on your state. 

In some states, hitting a deer while driving off is completely legal. In these states, you do not need to retrieve the deer if you don’t want to. No hunters are allowed in those areas and driving off with the deer still alive and running is perfectly legal. However, hitting a deer while driving off is illegal in other states. In some states, hitting a deer while driving off is a felony offense.

Is it Illegal to Hitchhike While Driving Off?

Many people think hitting a deer while driving off and hitchhiking home is perfectly legal. But this is not the case. Most states have laws against hitching while driving off. 

Generally speaking, states that forbid hitching while driving off have a few things in common: They do not let you drive off with the deer still alive in your car, and you can get fined for driving off with a live deer if you are not a hunter. Further, some states have laws that ban hitching while driving off, regardless of the situation.

Is it Illegal to Feed Deer While Driving Off?

As with hitting a deer while driving off, some states have laws that make it illegal to feed deer. Generally, states that have laws making it illegal to feed deer while driving off have a few things in common: They have laws that make it illegal to hit a deer while driving off, and they do not let you drive off with the deer still alive in your car, and they have laws that make it illegal to feed deer.

Is It Illegal to Take Deer Home for Meat?

Once again, it depends on your state. In some states, you can take a deer home for meat. In these states, you can drive off with the deer still breathing and remove its entrails (internal organs).

However, taking a deer home for meat is illegal in most states. Generally, states that have laws making it illegal to take deer home for meat have a few things in common: They allow you to hit a deer while driving off, they do not let you drive off with the deer still alive in your car, and they have laws that make it illegal to take deer home for meat.

Should You Hit a Deer and Drive Off?

Now that you know what the laws are in your state, should you hit a deer and drive off? This is a tough question because it depends on who you ask and the situation. Many experts will tell you that it is best to retrieve the deer and take it to the nearest wildlife management area (WMA) because you must get a permit and follow specific rules. 

Others will tell you that you have the right to drive off with the deer and that it is not illegal as long as you do not leave it in the middle of the road. In other words, it all comes down to your personal beliefs, what you want to do with the deer, and how much hassle you want to go through. This is why it is important to check with your local game warden before you hit a deer and drive off.

Final Words

Now that you know what the laws are in your state, let’s look at how this situation can play out in a few different scenarios. What if you live in a small town? Well, most likely, people will call the police if they see you driving off with a deer in your trunk. And if they don’t call the police and someone else does, they may get a ticket for interfering with a traffic accident (a misdemeanor offense). 

What if you live in a large city? 

Well, most likely, no one will notice that you hit a deer. And if they do and they are concerned about the deer, they will most likely call the police. They have the right to take the deer home for meat! Now that you understand what to expect and what laws to follow, hit the road with caution, hit a deer, and drive off.