PGC urges drivers to stay alert

Deer are becoming increasingly active this time of year and with daylight-saving time ending today, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is urging motorists to slow down and remain vigilant on the roads.

Autumn marks a surge in deer activity as the fall breeding season, known as the “rut,” approaches. During this period, many yearling bucks leave their birth areas in search of new territory, sometimes dozens of miles away.

At the same time, adult bucks are actively roaming their home ranges in pursuit of doe, often chasing those they encounter. The end of daylight-saving time means more vehicles will be on the road during dusk and dawn, which are the peak hours for deer movement.

“The rut is an exciting time for hunters but needs to be a time of heightened awareness for drivers,” PGC Executive Director Steve Smith said. “Whitetails are ramping up their activity levels and expanding their home ranges, so it’s imperative that motorists exercise increased caution and attentiveness during this time of year.”

Data from around the country has shown that Pennsylvania drivers face some of the highest risks of vehicle collisions with deer or other large animals, however, drivers can reduce their chances of collisions with deer by staying alert, obeying the state’s cell phone laws and understanding deer behavior. Paying close attention while driving on stretches marked with “Deer Crossing” signs can make a difference.

Deer often travel in groups and walk single file. So even if one deer successfully crosses the road in front of a driver, it doesn’t mean the threat is over. Another could be right behind it.

A driver who hits a deer with a vehicle is not required to report the accident to the PGC. If the deer dies, only Pennsylvania residents may claim the carcass.

To do so, they can call the PGC at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD and an agency dispatcher will collect the information needed to provide a free permit number, which the caller should write down. A resident must call within 24 hours of taking possession of the deer.

A passing Pennsylvania motorist also may claim the deer, if the person whose vehicle struck it doesn’t want it. Those taking possession of road-killed deer are reminded that rules related to Chronic Wasting Disease are still in effect.

If a deer is struck by a vehicle, but not killed, drivers are urged to maintain their distance because some deer might recover and move on, however, if a deer does not move on or poses a public safety risk, drivers are encouraged to report the incident to the PGC or another law-enforcement agency. If the deer must be put down, the PGC will direct the proper person to do so.

To report a dead deer for removal from state roads, motorists can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

Mike Parker is ETO guest

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission information director Mike Parker is the guest of Republican Herald outdoors editor Doyle Dietz on the Sunday, Nov. 1, edition of “Experience The Outdoors,” winner of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Association awards for best outdoors radio program. Air times are: 7-7:30 a.m., AM 1410 WLSH; 8-8:30 a.m., Sunny 1100 WGPA; 9-9:30 a.m., Magic 105.5-FM.; and downloaded on wmgh.com.

Education

Autumn Weekend Programs: Free weekend programs Saturdays and Sundays, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Course: All first-time hunters, age 12 and older, is available online and for future schedules and registration for in-person classes go to www.pgc.pa.gov.

This week’s events

Daily: Autumn Migration Hawkwatch, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, through December 15, trail fee for non-members.

Thursday: Trap, youth, 5-6 p.m.; adult, 6-9 p.m. Orwigsburg Gun Club, Gun Club Road, off Route 443 East, Orwigsburg; email grsmmyminch@gmail.com for information.

-Compiled by Doyle Dietz