10/18/2024
Don't forget to share with your non hunting family members. Be safe. Watch for deer.
Are you a “watch for deer” family? If so, you’re our kind of people.
as a Pennsylvanian, you have a 1-in-59 chance of being involved in an animal-related vehicle accident? That’s the third highest in the NATION! And those chances increase as we approach peak breeding season (rut) for white-tailed deer.
We teamed up with the PA Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to remind you to PAY ATTENTION and SLOW DOWN when driving on rural roads this fall.
As white-tailed bucks are in pursuit of does, inhibitions and awareness are lost, and they can often be found crossing roads, hot on the chase. Paying attention while driving on stretches marked with “Deer Crossing” signs can make a difference, although these aren’t the ONLY areas where you’ll find deer.
Now let’s say you unfortunately hit a deer — what’s next? Let’s break it down.
🚧 You’re not required to report the accident, unless your vehicle is disabled or someone requires medical attention.
🚧 If a deer is struck by a vehicle but not killed, do not approach the deer. Some deer may recover and move on. If not, drivers are encouraged to report the incident to the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD or other local law enforcement agency.
🚧 Pennsylvania residents may claim the road-killed carcass. To do so, call the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD within 24 hours to obtain a free permit for the carcass. If those involved in the accident do not want it, a passing Pennsylvania driver may claim the deer.
🚧 Those taking possession of road-killed deer from any established Disease Management Area (DMA) or Established Area (EA) are prohibited from transporting high-risk parts. For maps of these areas, the complete list of high-risk parts, and other information on CWD, visit pgc.pa.gov/cwd.
🚧To report a dead deer on state roads, motorists can call PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.
🚑 If you’re injured or need assistance, call 9-1-1 for immediate help.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission, PA Emergency Management Agency, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation want every driver to be cautious this fall, and every day of the year…and “watch for deer!”