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Collisions with deer more frequent this time of year

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By Valerie Lough, Staff Writer 5:04 PM Friday, November 6, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Law enforcement officials are urging motorists to use caution this time of year because collisions with deer are on the rise.

At least 132 vehicle crashes with deer have been reported in Clark County so far this year, said Sheriff Gene Kelly.

“(The deer) are so overpopulated that they’re everywhere,” he said.

Officials in Champaign County don’t specifically track deer strikes, but Sheriff Brent Emmons estimates this year’s total to be between 30 and 40 so far.

“Not everybody reports a deer strike,” he said. “They’re occurring pretty frequently.”

One of the reasons that deer are on the move this time of year is because it’s mating season, said Byron Rice, state wildlife officer for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. He’s assigned to the Clark County office.

“Bucks are chasing does, looking for the scent of does,” he said.

Rice questioned the effectiveness of devices that claim to ward off deer, such as whistles that attach to the front of vehicles, as well as other methods of avoiding the animals.

“You’ll hear talk about putting on your high beams,” he said. “You really just have to be more aware (while driving).”

Kelly agreed.

“You just have to be constantly on the lookout,” he said.

Harvest season is another factor that contributes to more deer strikes this time of year, said Rice.

Farmers working in fields disturb the animals, and that’s how the deer end up fleeing into roadways, he said.

Kelly said motorists should decrease their speed and drive defensively to stay safe.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.

Deer strikes in Ohio

Year Total Fatal

2008 24,590 6

2007 26,304 10

2006 28,240 12

2005 27,366 9

2004 29,874 5

Source: Ohio Department of Public Safety

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Kill them all! I was drving northbound on 742 and two ran out right in front of my vehicle. Luckily I was able to stop prior to hitting them. I get my bearings and lo and behold another one runs out across the street.

justice
9:27 PM, 11/7/2009

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i agree.... just wait and see how many deer their will be when obama takes your guns (he will try but he wont get mine)

hunter
9:36 PM, 11/6/2009

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Well, no wonder! We have the worse, and probably lowest, bag limits. Places like WV have bag limits in double digits in some areas, and the most you can get anywhere in Ohio is 3! I always say, the more deer killed by hunters is the less we have to worry about hitting out on the roads. And animal rights activists want to ban hunting and question the reason for it!

no wonder
8:29 PM, 11/6/2009

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