WATCH OUT FOR DEER

We’re now at the cusp of the busiest time for deer in Pennsylvania. It is the beginning of the deer breeding season known as the rut. Female deer will become fertile, and the male deer, the bucks, will be out seeking them. This activity peaks in early November, though it extends well into the month and on into December as not all does (female deer) are ready to breed on the same day. This keeps mature bucks on the prowl, though researchers have found that immature bucks get in on the action, too, as their big brothers cannot keep up with all the does that are ready to mate.

For most of my life, deer hunting did not occur during the rut. However, enthusiastic archers knew that they could increase their opportunities to harvest mature bucks if the archery season were extended into the first several weeks of November. After much lobbying by bowhunting groups, the PGC extended the season into November for a week, then two, and now nearly three weeks. This has given archers realistic chances to harvest trophy whitetails. Bucks that are normally nocturnal and that hide in inaccessible areas become foolish during the rut. You may find them running around at any time of the day as they seek females. In addition, they might be found almost anywhere, and they run into many non-hunters in places they would not usually be.

I do mean they “run into many non-hunters.” Bucks and does participate in chases that take them across back roads and major highways. Although many deer are killed by vehicles throughout the year, it sometimes amounts to a near-slaughter during the rut as the hormone-driven animals run cluelessly in front of speeding cars and trucks. I have hit three deer with vehicles during my life, two of which occurred during the rut. One of these was a fine buck that ran out in front of me in Geeseytown when my old Ranger was only three months old and crumpled what passed for a front bumper. I hope there is not a replay with my little Maverick. I don’t think it’s as “Ford tough” as the Ranger was. I’m not the only Pennsylvania driver to have had trouble with deer. According to State Farm, Pennsylvania drivers rank #1 in the nation for the number of animal collision claims, with over 150,000 claims (mostly deer) in the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

For the next month or so, be extra careful when driving: Watch out for deer.