Drivers urged to look out for deer during mating season

Deer mating season is underway, and that could mean an unexpected trip to the automobile repair shop if motorists aren't careful.

October through December is the most active time of the year for bucks, as they are looking for mates. This can make them more prone to darting in front of vehicles unexpectedly.

"Our days are getting shorter, hence we have less sunlight," said Candice Davis, spokeswoman for the Southeast and Ozark regions of the Missouri Department of Conservation. "This causes a behavior in bucks and makes them really driven to find a doe to mate with. The bucks are spending more time trying to find female deer than eating and they're not afraid to dart out in the middle of the roadway without warning."

The state has deer hunting seasons for bow and firearms. The first bow season began Sept. 15 and ends Nov. 13, and a second bow season is from Nov. 25 to Jan. 15. Firearms season is from Nov. 14 to 24. A season for youth ages 6 to 15 years old is Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 and Jan. 2 to 3.

A recent State Farm Insurance Co. report found the number of deer-vehicle collisions in Missouri is up 14 percent since 2004. Nationwide the numbers rose 18 percent in the same period.

State Farm estimates that 1 in 155 motorists in the state will collide with a deer by June 2010, categorizing Missouri as a medium-risk state. Nationally, 1 in 208 drivers are expected to hit a deer.

Though Missouri ranked 18th among all 50 states, two neighboring states were higher. Iowa's motorists have a 1 in 104 chance of hitting a deer, and 1 in 106 Arkansas drivers can expect to collide with the animal.

For the third consecutive year West Virginia was the No. 1 state for deer-vehicle collisions, with 1 in 39 motorists predicted to strike a deer. The least likely state to collide with a deer is Hawaii, where its motorists have a 1 in 9,931 chance.

"Our main message is we want to caution folks not to swerve, which is a gut reaction for drivers," said Jim Camoriano, spokesman for Missouri's division of State Farm. "Motorists need to avoid that gut instinct. Otherwise, they could flip over and cause serious injuries."

Most deer-vehicle collisions happen from 5 to 8 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to midnight from October through December, said Sgt. Dale Moreland of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He urges motorists to pay extra attention during those hours.

"If you see a deer, just slow down and don't take a chance of trying to dodge them," Moreland said. "So many people don't slow down when they see a deer."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent addresses:

2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO

4947 U.S. 67 North Poplar Bluff, MO