With deer becoming increasingly active, and daylight saving time about to put more vehicles on the road during the hours when deer move most, the Game Commission is advising motorists to slow down and stay alert.

“Deer-vehicle collisions are an unfortunate and often painful consequence of living with whitetails, and there’s no predicting when or where they might occur,” said Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. “Drivers should be advised, however, that deer have entered a period of increased activity and are crossing roads more often as a result. So, now more than ever, is a time to use extreme caution while behind the wheel.”

Deer become more active in autumn with the lead up to their fall breeding season, commonly referred to as the “rut.” Around this time, many yearling bucks disperse from the areas in which they were born and travel sometimes several dozen miles to find new ranges. Meanwhile, adult bucks more often are cruising their home ranges in search of does, and they sometimes chase the does they encounter.

Add to this the fact autumn sees a number of people taking part in outdoor activities that might flush deer from forested areas or briar thickets, and that deer are more active feeding to store energy for winter months, and it quickly becomes evident why motorists might be more likely to encounter deer on roads.

The start of daylight saving time also increases vehicular traffic between dusk and dawn – the peak hours for deer activity.

Click Here for more tips from the Game Commission on how to stay safe.

11/4/2013