Drivers should be especially alert as they travel Oklahoma’s roads over the coming weeks. This is because autumn deer behavior combined with peak traveling times for motorists are increasing the risk for vehicle-deer collisions.
“From mid-October and through November, Oklahoma bucks become more active chasing does during the rut (breeding season), and that creates more instances of fast-moving, unpredictable deer running across highways,” said Micah Holmes, communication and education chief with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
“Drivers who see a deer cross the road in front of them should be aware that a buck may be running right behind and jump into the road without warning.”
Also, the shift away from Daylight Saving Time on Nov. 1 will place more people behind the wheel during the dawn and dusk periods, which are when deer tend to be most active.
A few tips to increase driving safety during this period are to reduce speed, increase following distance from other cars, and visually scan from ditch to ditch, especially during low-light periods and where brush or trees closely approach the road.
Drivers are urged not to swerve to avoid a deer, because leaving your driving lane could cause a collision with another vehicle or a roadside hazard such as a utility pole, tree or culvert. Experts say the best response is to continue straight ahead and brake in a safe manner.
When a deer is killed on the roadway, the driver or anyone else may salvage the animal for its meat, provided they have the proper permissions. Since deer are a regulated game animal, anyone harvesting a deer outside of normal hunting regulations must first obtain approval from law enforcement.
Anyone who removes any portion of the meat or the head or antlers of a deer without permission could be charged with illegal possession of wildlife parts. Always call a local game warden or other law enforcement officer to ask about salvaging the animal.