Quinn blocks law letting people collect roadkill

SPRINGFIELD — Forget about squirrel stew or a nice coyote-fur coat. Gov. Pat Quinn has vetoed legislation letting people collect animals killed along Illinois roads.

In his veto message Friday, Quinn said he was worried about the safety of drivers who stop to pick up roadkill. He encouraged lawmakers to come up with a version that includes safety measures.

The legislation said that if people have the proper permits and licenses, they could collect any furbearing mammal found during the appropriate hunting season.

People could do whatever they please with the carcasses, whether it’s skin them for their hides or add them to a rustic stew.

Even without the legislation, people are allowed to collect deer killed by vehicles.