Deer-vehicle crashes peak in the autumn months, but Minnesota’s large deer population makes them a safety hazard on the road all year long. Here are some ways you can avoid crashing into a deer:

• Drive at safe speeds and always be buckled up.
• Be especially cautious from 6 to 9 p.m., when deer are most active.
• Use high beams as much as possible at night, especially in deer-active areas.
• Don’t count on deer whistles or deer fences to deter deer from crossing roads.
• Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. If anything looks slightly suspicious, slow down.
• Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population, such as where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land or any forested areas between dusk and dawn.
• Deer do unpredictable things. They stop in the middle of the road when crossing, cross and quickly re-cross back, and move toward an approaching vehicle. Blow your horn to urge deer to leave the road. Stop if the deer stays on the road and don’t try to go around it.
• If a deer is struck but not killed by a vehicle, keep a distance as deer may recover and move on. If a deer does not move on or poses a public safety risk, report the incident to a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer or other local law enforcement agency.
• Drivers: Don’t swerve to avoid a deer. Swerving can cause you to lose control and travel off the road or into oncoming traffic.
• Motorcyclists: Hitting a deer is especially dangerous while riding a motorcycle. These actions can keep you safe:
  • Avoid night and low-light riding periods.  
  • If you do encounter a deer, use both brakes for maximum braking and keep your eyes and head up to improve your chances of keeping the bike up.  
  • If a crash is imminent and there is enough space to swerve around the deer without leaving the road, use maximum braking and just before impact, attempt a swerve in the opposite direction the deer is traveling.  
  • Wear full face helmets and full protective gear to prevent injury or death in a crash. High visibility gear can assist another driver in seeing you better, whether it’s while making an evasive maneuver to avoid a deer or laying on the road after impacting a deer.

Any Minnesota resident may claim a road-killed animal by contacting a law enforcement officer. An authorization permit will be issued allowing the individual to lawfully possess the deer.