Deer breeding season is about to begin, drivers reminded to be cautious throughout October and November

DEER BREEDING SEASON IS ABOUT TO BEGIN, DRIVERS REMINDED TO BE CAUTIOUS THROUGHOUT OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

Contact(s): Bob Nack, Big Game Section Chief, 608-264-6137
October 17, 2017

MADISON - Drivers should be aware that over the next month the state's white-tailed deer breeding season is beginning and will continue through the end of November. The fall breeding season coincides with the highest rate of deer-vehicle collisions as deer move around substantially more during this time of year.

Deer can be active at all times of day or night, but are most active around the sunset and sunrise time periods. Motorists can limit their chances of hitting a deer by remaining vigilant especially in areas where trees and vegetation are in close proximity to roads, as these are the places deer are most likely to be encountered.

Whitetail bucks will soon be entering the rut, or their mating season, and deer will become more active over the next few weeks.
Photo Credit: Herbert Lange

To reduce the chance of a deer-vehicle collision, drivers are encouraged to follow these tips:

be on the lookout for deer, eliminate distractions while driving and slow down in early morning and evening hours-the most active time for deer;

do not rely on deer whistles (not proven to be effective);

if you see a deer by the side of the road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away;

when you see one deer, be prepared for another one-deer seldom run alone; and

if you see a deer looming in your headlights, do not expect the deer to move-headlights can confuse a deer and cause the animal to freeze.

To take possession of a car-killed deer, drivers should register the deer by calling 608-267-7691 or online prior to removing the deer from the scene. Individuals will be required to provide their DNR customer ID and carcass location to complete the phone registration system. DNR customer ID's can be found in your Go Wild account or created online. A physical tag is not required to take possession of a car-killed deer after completing registration.

Deer carcass movement restrictions intended to stop the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease also apply to car-killed deer from CWD affected counties. Individuals should go to dnr.wi.gov and search 'CWD' for more information. Car-killed deer from CWD affected counties should not be taken beyond the adjacent county unless taken to a licensed taxidermist or meat processor within 72 hours.

Last Revised: Tuesday, October 17, 2017