A rule adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2016 allows people to legally salvage deer and elk carcasses in the state. Nearly 20 other states have adopted similar rules.

But not everyone who hits and kills a deer or elk along our roadways is prepared to process the animal. In the olden days deer and elk road kill was salvaged and donated to schools and correction centers. With stricter food safety rules now that is no longer done. So …what happens to a deceased animal if it is killed along our roadways and there is no one there to salvage it …who ya gonna call?

Thanks to a hobby of a couple of west-end guys these abandoned road kills are not going to waste. Recently Jim Strong shared his special hobby at a West End Business meeting. Dave and Jim’s Road Kill Recovery is often called by those in authority to come and recovery game on the West End. Jim has created a special vehicle to complete these operations. Once recovered the duo takes the animal and processes it in a “very clean” fashion. “We inspect the meat and everything is done to make sure the meat is in good condition,” Jim said.

RKR responds whenever they are called so that the meat does not spoil. The duo’s motto is “You Wack It We Pack It.” In addition to packaging the meat they also make some fine pepperoni. Jim shared that meat is given to those in need.