People Hit The Most Deer In These 10 Wisconsin Counties

When motorists hit a deer it's a dangerous, and sometimes deadly, situation. Deer crash numbers usually increase in October and November in Wisconsin, so it's a perfect time to remind all drivers to be alert for deer on and along roadways.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says this is a busy time of year on the roads for both deer and motorists. Since deer are unpredictable, it's important to know how best to avoid hitting a deer and what to do if a deer-related crash happens.

It's also helpful to know where the most deer-related crashes happen in Wisconsin so that drivers in these areas are driving with extra caution.

The Top 10 Wisconsin Counties For Hitting A Deer

Last year, more than 16,000 crashes involving deer were reported in Wisconsin, killing 14 people and injuring 585.

According to WisDOT statistics from 2023, here are the top 10 Wisconsin counties for crashes involving deer.

#10 Winnebago County: 476 Deer-Related Crashes Reported

#9 Grant County: 490 Deer-Related Crashes Reported

#8 Fond du Lac County: 571 Deer-Related Crashes Reported

Get our free mobile app

#7 St. Croix County: 591 Deer-Related Crashes Reported

#6 Manitowoc County: 600 Deer-Related Crashes Reported

#5 Outagamie County: 614 Deer-Related Crashes Reported

#4 Sheboygan County: 712 Deer-Related Crashes Reported

#3 Washington County: 763 Deer-Related Crashes Reported

#2 Dane County: 802 Deer-Related Crashes Reported

#1 Waukesha County: 836 Deer-Related Crashes Reported

While those are the top 10 counties, you can hit a deer in any county in Wisconsin, especially this time of year. Staying alert is just one thing you can do to avoid a deer-related crash.

Tips To Help Avoid Hitting A Deer

Experts acknowledge that deer are unpredictable and may freeze or change directions, but there are steps you can take to help prevent hitting them:

• Drive at a safe speed, eliminate distractions, and make sure everyone is buckled up. Crash injuries are less severe or can be avoided when everyone wears a seat belt.
• Scan the road ahead carefully. If one deer crosses, watch for more. If you see a deer, honk your horn to urge them to move away from the road.
• Deer are most active during the early morning and evening hours. Motorists should always have headlights on as daylight transitions to dusk and deer become more difficult to see, especially as daylight saving time ends in November.

WisDOT says if you cannot avoid hitting a deer with your vehicle, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Avoid sudden swerving, which can result in a loss of control and a more serious crash.

It's worth noting that motorcyclists are at a greater risk of injury in a crash with a deer. Of the approximately 16,000 deer crashes last year, 196 were motorcycle crashes, resulting in 11 fatalities and 53 serious injuries.

SEE NOW: Home Built For Impeached Mayor In Wisconsin Is Now For Sale

This means there is about a 33% chance that a motorcycle deer crash will result in a fatality or serious injury, compared to less than 0.1% in auto or light truck deer crashes.

If a motorcyclist can't avoid hitting a deer, and there is enough space to swerve around it without leaving your lane, brake and adjust course as needed.

What To Do If You Hit A Deer With Your Vehicle

If you hit a deer, the experts say the first thing to do is get your vehicle safely off the road if possible. Then, follow these tips:

• If someone is hurt or the deer is in the active portion of the road, call 911.​
• If no one is hurt and your vehicle and deer are off the road, contact local law enforcement.
• Stay buckled up inside your vehicle and wait for help. Getting out of your vehicle and walking along a road is always dangerous. Never attempt to move an injured deer.​

SEE NOW: Unexpected Closure To Cause Sizable Layoffs In Small Wisconsin City

Get our free mobile app