Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

You Hit a Deer...What to Do?

As nightfall sets in sooner and longer in the fall, there is a risky mix on Montana roads that requires drivers to be extra alert. There might be increased traffic from drivers ed students filling their hours, parents driving to out-of-town ball games, and haul trucks with big loads. At the same time, does and fawns are attracted to roadside vegetation, which also brings the bucks close to roads during breeding season. As a result, we see a rise of deer-vehicle collisions.

A State Farm 2015 statistic indicates that Montana has the highest likelihood in the nation of auto collision with deer: one in 63.

We can all use a reminder of what to do when a driver hits a deer. When deer population had been low a few years ago, the number of deer-vehicle collisions also decreased. As whitetail population rebounds, so do deer strikes, according to Valley County UnderSheriff Vernon Buerkle. Valley County estimates that 33 deer- and four cow-vehicle collisions occurred in 2014. Many more went unreported.

Buerkle advises that the first thing to do is to pull over to the side of the road and make sure everyone is OK. If medical help is needed, call 911. Turn on the hazard lights and assess the condition of your vehicle. If the vehicle is broken down or not safe to drive, contact the local law enforcement agency. In Valley County, you can call 228-4333 for dispatch. If you are outside Valley County and don’t know which number to call, call 911.

When there is over $1,000 damage to the vehicle, which is common, the driver is required to notify law enforcement as well. A Montana Highway Patrol vehicle crash report, or the “white form,” needs to be submitted to MHP within 10 days. This form is available online. Don’t forget to contact your auto insurance agent.

Drivers should pay attention to deer crossing signs which are placed at well-known travel corridors. “They are there for a reason,” said Buerkle.

Mike Herman, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 6 game warden captain, echos that safety comes first. “Young drivers need to know that they should contact an adult--a parent or a law enforcement officer-- when they’ve hit a deer,” said Herman. “Let someone know where they are and if they need any emergency help.”

With the onset of winter, it is important that drivers are well-stocked with emergency supplies in case they are stranded on remote roads with a disabled vehicle.

Automobiles are only one half of a collision. What happens to the animal?

If the deer lies injured in the middle of the road, do not attempt to handle the animal. Wounded animals can be dangerous and unpredictable. Call law enforcement instead who could also contact game wardens. If the driver cannot safely remove the carcass off the road, alert law enforcement as well to avoid causing more accidents.

The 2013 Montana Legislature passed a bill that allows for the salvage of certain animals killed by collision with a motor vehicle. Based on a permit system administered by FWP, a person must obtain a salvage permit within 24 hours of taking possession of the animal. Only whitetail deer, mule deer, antelope, elk or moose can be salvaged. The permittee does not have to be the driver who collided with the animal. The whole carcass must be taken--not just parts of the meat and horns or antlers. The roadkill must be used for human consumption only—not for bait or pet food.

There are 16 conditions which the permittee must agree to in order to obtain the salvage permit.

For complete information, and to apply for the free salvage permit, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/salvagepermit. Be sure to understand and follow all the conditions listed in the permit for the salvage and possession of road-killed wildlife.

Herman stresses that roadkill meat is an eat-at-your-risk food. And be prepared to load the whole animal into your vehicle in a safe manner. According to Herman, six salvage permits have been issued in Region 6 in 2015 so far.

 

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