FAQs • Portage County, WI • CivicEngage

What if I see a dead deer on the highway?: To report a dead deer, please call the Highway Department Parts Room at 715-345-5233. Portage County does not pick up dead deer. We notify Wisconsin DNR, who contracts with private contractors to remove dead deer from state and county highways. Carcasses painted with a bright orange "X" have already been called in for removal.

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Highway Department

1. Can I hire the Highway Department to perform work on my private property?: The Highway Department contracts with many municipalities in Portage County. However, the Highway Department, by law, is not allowed to perform hired work for the public.

2. Can I purchase supplies from the Highway Department?: The Highway Department sells a variety of supplies to municipalities throughout Portage County. Unfortunately, the Highway Department cannot sell supplies to private contractors or the public. Private contractors performing work for a municipality may pick up supplies on behalf of the municipality, so long as the material is paid for by the municipality.

3. What if I need to contact the Highway Department after working hours?: The Portage County Sheriff’s Office has contact information for on-call Highway Department supervisors at all times. Please call the Sheriff's Office Communications Center at 715-346-1400 with concerns related to safety on state/county highways and they will contact Highway Department staff. For concerns that are not urgent, please contact the Portage County Highway Department at 715-345-5230 during normal business hours.

4. What if I see a dead deer on the highway?: To report a dead deer, please call the Highway Department Parts Room at 715-345-5233. Portage County does not pick up dead deer. We notify Wisconsin DNR, who contracts with private contractors to remove dead deer from state and county highways. Carcasses painted with a bright orange "X" have already been called in for removal.