The Deer Rut and Road Safety Q&A

by Kathy Andrews Wright | October 26, 2020 | Wildlife

Four gray, brown white-tailed deer are in progress of crossing a highway towards the left side. In the background, the road curves around a bend and disappears behind a woodland. Trees and are on both sides of the road in the background.

Photo courtesy of the IDNR.

Film Date:

October 6, 2020

Speaker:

Peter Schlichting from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Produced by:

Laura Kammin

Kathy Andrews Wright

Edited by:

Sarah Marjanovic

Questions received in advance of the conversation are listed below, with the time noted should you desire to fast-forward to a topic of interest.

0:31 Peter Schlichting overview of position with Illinois Department of Natural Resources

1:18 As we enter the fall season it is important for drivers to be aware of the increased likelihood of encountering white-tailed deer on the road. Why is it that deer are more active at this time of the year?

3:41 Let’s explore some precautions people can take to stay safe on the road during the rut season.

6:38 Unfortunately, sometimes collisions are inevitable. What would you recommend drivers do to prepare for such a situation?

8:15 What does a person need to do to claim a road-killed deer?

9:27 Closing comments.

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Kathy Andrews Wright retired from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources where she was editor of OutdoorIllinois magazine. She is currently the editor of OutdoorIllinois Journal.