As deer season approaches…

The end of summer signals the start of the rut for the Pennsylvania whitetail deer in late September. Now, the whitetail isn’t a particularly bright animal but the rut reduces him to among the dumbest in the animal kingdom. The rut is the time of year when instinct reminds deer that they need to propagate the species by making more little whitetail deer. This of course means that deer will begin to lose their minds, much like the male human is prone to doing when similarly motivated. However, while the male human’s stupid behavior may be limited to wearing too much cologne or claiming to like Michal Bolton music or country line dancing, the Whitetail deer is known to run headlong into oncoming traffic. I’ve never understood such behavior but as a motorcyclist I know to be on the lookout for it come fall.

During my commute I see deer at all times of the year, if not daily, then at least every 2nd or 3rd day. There is a large herd of 12 – 20 or more within 1/2 mile of my home. What I’ve read about deer, and it’s been somewhat validated by my own personal experience, is that they live their lives within a mile or so of where they are born and that they travel the same route daily to a water source. So, having ridden the same commute nearly 2000 times I’ve become familiar with the places I’m likely to see deer and where they may be crossing the road.

I also pay closer attention to my lane choices as the rut approaches. On a 2-lane country road, if there is no traffic coming toward me, I’ll stay on the left side of my lane. I believe this gives me better reaction time should a deer cross from either side. Once I see traffic coming toward me I’ll move to the right side of my lane. My thinking is that, were a deer to appear from my right, I would have more room to maneuver. Also, if one were to hit me (and I’ve been hit before) it’s less likely I’ll be pushed into oncoming traffic. I also have to be concerned with drivers coming toward me panicking and swerving into my lane should they see a deer enter the roadway. I also practice panic stops at least weekly.

It’s not a perfect system but one that’s worked for me through 10+ years of commuting in deer country. It pays to consider your riding methods as the rut approaches in your area and the deer become dumber.

Read about a recent close call on the V-Strom owners forums.