Tips for Deer Avoidance
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
Take it easy and ride with your fingers on both levers ready to go in deer heavy areas. In tall grass or corn field spots i ride slow and towards the middle of the road to give myself more time on both sides if i see one to react. Also if you see one dont slow down and try to pass, just come to a full stop because they can run into you. At night use your high beams and scan the woodline on both sides, night is way more dangerous.
Road Master
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 774
Likes: 320
From: St. Louis
I've pretty much given up riding after dusk on rural roads. If I'm on the interstate or highway I like to stay behind a semi or car. My Grandfather always said if you see a deer on the road steer towards its butt as your slowing down. The logic being, the deer can't go where it was.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
We've got plenty deer around here too, I had one come out between two houses about 11:15pm on 9th ave and 11th st N here in town last fall,, it hit the pavement in front of me on all 4 feet, then turned and ran down the middle of 10th st!!
It was a WTF moment,, here? now?
Them critters is always a worry, and it ain't just the deer, a big dog??
Pick the route that has the widest - clearest ditches for the daily commute.
It's a simple fact we humans are complacent,, that most accidents happen pretty darn close to home. The routes we repeat often become routine,, we expect the same thing over and over,, so our minds will wonder to other things while we repeat the routine.
Wide ditches offer a little more time to react.
The point they all say about the head on a swivel,, means keeping your mind in the game too.
I know about that taking hiatus from motorcycle and getting back on,, ya gotta keep in mind ya ain't 25 no more.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Jun 9, 2018 at 08:36 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 597
Likes: 35
From: On the lake, Ohio
Honestly, there is not a lot you can do when it comes to deer running out in front of you. I leave for work daily @ 0500 early. My plant is right on a Great Lake and surrounded by marshes and wetlands. Deer galore! Plus I leave work for home at 1800. Both prime deer traveling times. All I can do is remain alert, watch ahead, maintain a safe speed, and no day dreaming. Plus I try to ride a safe distance between myself and vehicle ahead of me. If it's your time to hit a deer, your going to hit a deer. Just be careful and ride safe.
Last edited by wagsrk08; Jun 9, 2018 at 06:29 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
I pick the route that has the widest space between the shoulder and cover. Roads that have woods or high crops right up to the shoulder are deadly. Someone just got killed by me at 5:30 in the afternoon, by a deer hit. I avoid night riding, but it still happens in broad daylight. Most important thing is to always stay focused on scanning. Daydreaming or playing with the radio, is dangerous.
Im especially careful picking my route in November, October, June, May. At least in Wisconsin, thats when they are most active.
Im especially careful picking my route in November, October, June, May. At least in Wisconsin, thats when they are most active.
Last edited by Ron750; Jun 9, 2018 at 09:16 PM.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 32,562
Likes: 2,577
From: Shit Weather USA
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 166
Likes: 25
From: Virginia
I pick the route that has the widest space between the shoulder and cover. Roads that have woods or high crops right up to the shoulder are deadly. Someone just got killed by me at 5:30 in the afternoon, by a deer hit. I avoid night riding, but it still happens in broad daylight. Most important thing is to always stay focused on scanning. Daydreaming or playing with the radio, is dangerous.
Im especially careful picking my route in November, October, June, May. At least in Wisconsin, thats when they are most active.
Im especially careful picking my route in November, October, June, May. At least in Wisconsin, thats when they are most active.
Riding home one night...dirty underwear moment...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzkQSnGCSgQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzkQSnGCSgQ
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Jun 10, 2018 at 07:38 AM.