Can I keep a deer I hit with my car in Wisconsin?
Deer Crash Help · Barron, WI
Can I keep a deer I hit with my car in Wisconsin?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
Yes. The DNR says the driver who hits and kills a deer gets first claim to the carcass. You must register it with the DNR before you take it or move it from the scene, online through GameReg or by calling 608-267-7691, and you'll need your DNR customer ID.
The details
The details, from the DNR and state law:
- If you don't want the deer, anyone else at the scene can ask to claim it.
- Once registered, the deer can be possessed and transported without a harvest tag, but chronic wasting disease (CWD) transport rules still apply.
- Take the whole carcass right away. Field dressing in the highway right-of-way isn't allowed (NR 19.13).
- A car-killed bear is different: call 608-267-7691 for a tag.
Your DNR customer ID is on your hunting or fishing license or your Go Wild card.
Hit a deer? Have it checked in Barron.
Book a visit with the service department for your brand to have your vehicle looked over, or call with questions.
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Helpful Swant Graber pages
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3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
Do I need a tag for a car-killed deer in Wisconsin?
No harvest tag, but you must register the deer with the DNR before you take possession, online or at 608-267-7691.
Can someone else take the deer I hit?
Yes. If the driver doesn't want it, another person at the scene can claim it, per the DNR.
Can I field dress a car-killed deer on the roadside?
No. Wisconsin rules require removing the entire carcass and prohibit field dressing in the highway right-of-way.
Get it looked at in Barron
Book with the service department at either store on Highway 8. Service is open Monday to Friday; ask about a loaner when you book.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- Wisconsin DNR: Wildlife-vehicle collisions: dnr.wisconsin.gov
- Wis. Stat. 29.349: Animals killed by motor vehicles: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov