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 is retired from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources where she was editor of Outdoor Illinois magazine. She is currently the editor of Outdoor Illinois Wildlife Journal and Illinois Audubon magazine.