Who to call by state
Montana
Montana splits road responsibility among multiple owners: MDT maintains state highways, while counties, cities, tribes, special districts, private owners, and land managers may maintain other roads. ([montanapbs.montana.edu](https://montanapbs.montana.edu/extension/lila_extn/lila_winter_23/WhoFixestheRoad.html)) Montana also has an FWP vehicle-killed wildlife salvage system that allows certain big game animals killed in motor-vehicle collisions to be salvaged with a permit obtained within 24 hours. ([fwp.mt.gov](https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/vehiclekilledsalvagepermit))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Road-killed deer salvage
- Montana FWP allows salvage of vehicle-killed white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, and antelope only; you must obtain a no-cost salvage permit within 24 hours, and the entire animal must be removed from the site. ([fwp.mt.gov](https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/vehiclekilledsalvagepermit))
Official resources in Montana
Official association directory linking Montana county websites, useful for finding the local road department or road and bridge office for county-maintained roads. ([mtcounties.org](https://www.mtcounties.org/counties/county-websites/?utm_source=openai))
Key facts for Montana
- MDT says if you spot a highway problem, report the roadway, closest mile marker, and direction of travel. ([mdt.mt.gov](https://mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/report-hazards.aspx))
- For highway emergencies or obstructions, MDT directs travelers to Montana Highway Patrol; nonemergency maintenance issues go through MDT’s comment form. ([mdt.mt.gov](https://mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/report-hazards.aspx))
- MDT’s Report A Problem app routes reports to MDT Maintenance or the correct local jurisdiction. ([app.mdt.mt.gov](https://app.mdt.mt.gov/rap/login))
- MSU Extension says counties and cities often maintain local roads, and your county road department can clarify which roads it maintains. ([montanapbs.montana.edu](https://montanapbs.montana.edu/extension/lila_extn/lila_winter_23/WhoFixestheRoad.html))
- Montana allows salvage only of deer, elk, moose, and antelope killed in a vehicle collision, and a permit is required within 24 hours. ([fwp.mt.gov](https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/vehiclekilledsalvagepermit))
- FWP asks the public to report unusual or unexplained sickness or death in wild birds by contacting a local wildlife biologist or the Wildlife Health Program in Bozeman. ([fwp.mt.gov](https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/diseases/avian-influenza))
What to do next
- If the carcass is on a Montana state highway, first note the route, nearest mile marker, and direction of travel before reporting it to MDT. ([mdt.mt.gov](https://mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/report-hazards.aspx))
- If you are unsure whether a road is county, city, or state, start with your county road department; MSU Extension says counties can clarify road ownership and maintenance. ([montanapbs.montana.edu](https://montanapbs.montana.edu/extension/lila_extn/lila_winter_23/WhoFixestheRoad.html))
- Do not handle sick or dead birds if possible; if salvageable big game was vehicle-killed and you take it, get the FWP salvage permit within 24 hours and remove the whole animal. ([fwp.mt.gov](https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/diseases/avian-influenza))
Helpful guides
- Who removes dead animals on roads?
- Dead animal on private property: whose job is it?
- Dead deer removal: roads, yards and salvage permits
- Dead animal under a house or in a wall: finding it and the smell