Who to call by state
Wisconsin
Municipal requirements we found in Wisconsin, each linked to the official page.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Report on a state road
- Official page →
- Road-killed deer salvage
- A Wisconsin resident may salvage a road-killed deer, but the deer must be registered with the Wisconsin DNR before possession or removal from the scene, typically online through Go Wild, with the driver of the vehicle having first priority to claim it.
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in Wisconsin
Key facts for Wisconsin
- On Wisconsin Interstates, U.S. highways, and state highways, WisDOT says car-killed deer disposal is handled through WisDOT contracts, and motorists should report a detailed location to the county sheriff department using its non-emergency number; if the carcass is in the active traveled lane, call 911.
- WisDOT says counties are responsible for deer disposal along county highways, and municipalities are responsible along local roads.
- Wisconsin DNR allows a resident to salvage a road-killed deer or turkey, but it must be registered with the DNR before the animal is possessed or removed from the scene; the driver has first priority.
- Wisconsin DNR directs the public to report sick or dead wild birds or mammals through its Sick or Dead Wildlife Reporting Form, and it especially wants reports of five or more sick or dead birds in one area.
- For sick or dead deer that are not routine roadway carcass-removal issues, DNR says to report them to the Wildlife Switchboard at 608-267-0866 or by email at DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov.
What to do next
- If the dead animal is on an Interstate, U.S. highway, or state highway shoulder, note the exact location details first: route number, nearest cross road, milepost or exit, and direction of travel.
- If the carcass is blocking a live traffic lane or creating an immediate hazard, call 911; otherwise use the county sheriff department non-emergency contact for state highways.
- Do not touch sick or dead wildlife with bare hands; for birds or other wildlife health concerns, use the DNR wildlife reporting form rather than the roadkill-removal channel.
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
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