Indiana DNR Reminding Drivers To Be Safe On The Road & Watch For Deer

It is also important to remember that deer hunting season in Indiana will be beginning soon, and the Kentucky deer season is already underway.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is giving reminding residents of both Indiana and Kentucky that deer season in among us.

Annually, more than 14,000 deer-vehicle collisions are reported in Indiana. It is important to know deer movements are not random, and the likelihood of seeing deer near the roads varies by time of day and month.

While your chance of hitting a deer varies, in general, deer-vehicle collisions are most likely to occur during these conditions:

• At dawn and dusk when deer are most active
• From September through December, particularly October and November during deer mating season as bucks crossroads more frequently and are less cautious when crossing
• In areas with high densities such as suburbs and where hunting is prohibited (state parks and national parks, nature preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries).
• In areas where roads divide agricultural fields and forestland. Deer crossroads to forage for food.
• During unfavorable road conditions. Deer may be difficult to see or avoid when conditions are foggy, wet, or icy. Allow as much stopping time as possible.

It is also important to remember that deer hunting season in Indiana will be beginning soon, and the Kentucky deer season is already underway. This can also cause deer to run out into the roadways more than they normally do.

If you are to hit a deer there are also a few things to remember:

• Move your vehicle to a safe place on the side of the road and turn your hazard lights on
• Call the police. Do not approach the deer, whether alive or dead.
• You have the right to keep the deer for your own use with the proper permit. A local or state police officer, DNR conservation officer, DNR district biologist, or DNR property manager can issue permits to legally possess the deer. See dnr.IN.gov and search for “deer processors” if you need a place to take your deer for butchering. Thanks to the Sportsman’s Benevolence Fund, donating deer meat is also an option—participating processors will get the deer meat to those in need. It is illegal to sell wild deer meat in Indiana.
• As with any vehicle accident, follow the responding officer’s instructions