Community Interest

by Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

It’s always good advice when driving not to get stuck in a rut. This time of year, there’s one rut you definitely don’t want to have a close encounter with . . . the whitetail deer rut.

The rut describes the deer mating season. During this period, hormones are surging at full strength, as bucks chase does, seeking that perfect partner for a little love. At this time, deer are on the move more often and going farther than usual. They may show up in some unexpected places, wherever the search for love may carry them. They are also driven to this single purpose and are more likely to take risks, like running onto the same roads we drive on. This unfortunate convergence of events often leads to deer-vehicle accidents, a situation neither deer nor driver wants to experience.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, nearly 3,600 crashes involving deer took place in 2023 alone. St. Louis County, in particular, typically reports between 200 and 300 each year. The majority of these incidents always occur during October and November, the peak times of the rut.
The most common times of day for these accidents tend to be between 6 and 7 a.m. and 6 and 9 p.m. This makes sense, considering deer are most active during dawn and dusk and more likely to be crossing roadways.

So, what are some ways to avoid getting into this “rut”? Most of it is common sense.
Remember these tips:
• Be extra cautious while driving during the fall, especially around dawn and dusk.
• Scan both sides of the roadway.
• Refrain from distractions like cell phones and texting.
• Set headlights on bright when practical to better help you see ahead.
• Watch for the reflection of deer eyes from headlights.
• Stay alert and slow down while driving in areas deer may likely inhabit—such as near fields or wooded areas, parks, common green spaces, or even cemeteries.
• If you see one deer by the roadside or crossing it, slow down—others will likely follow or be in the area, as they most often travel in groups.

Despite your best efforts, should a collision seem imminent, slow down as best you can to reduce impact speed. Steer to avoid a deer only if it is safe to do so—but do not jeopardize yourself by driving into oncoming traffic or risk sliding off into a ditch or hitting something else. Do not attempt to swerve at high speeds—a deer collision may not be the worst thing that could happen, and might be the lesser of two evils.
If by chance the unfortunate does happen, follow these steps:
• Move the vehicle to a safe location.
• Check to see if anyone requires medical attention and call for help at once.
• Call local law enforcement to see if an accident report is needed or if the deer is still alive.
• Contact the Missouri Department of Conservation if someone wants to take the deer to utilize the meat. The driver of the vehicle is normally given the first opportunity to claim it. MDC will issue a disposition for possession of the deer.

The best defense for driving in any condition, especially during the deer mating season, is to stay alert at the wheel and avoid unneeded distractions. Being extra vigilant will help ensure you stay out of this rut!