Do you ride in deer collision country? (By State)
- Thread starter Mark
- Start date
There's a lot of discussion in the past about deer whistles, the consensus being they don't work. Currently I'm using a deer horn. This is a powered device that emits a high pitch whine. Does it work? Probably no way of knowing. I installed it because it had a good review on Motorcycle Consumer News, the motorcycle magazine with no advertisements. I agree with the referenced State Farm link that one should not rely on such devices. On the other hand, it's worth the install if it's effective only part of the time (yes, I know the joke about wearing a charm to keep the tigers away).
John-
John-
I'm using the Hornet Electronic Deer Alert - 120 decibels - the only one that's been shown to work (most of the time)
Mine almost always makes them stop and/or run away. But, when bucks are hell-bent on getting a doe, they stop for nothing. I've parked the bike until the end of DST when I'll have daylight on my ride into work - extend my ride for a little while longer.
Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens, his mighty voice thundering from the sky. Ps 68:33
I know several riders who believe their "near-hits" mean they have the experience and skills to avoid a strike.
Believe you me, this is definitely not the case!
We can reduce the risk a bit, but it's mostly a crap shoot if you're in a risky area.
(ps- seen some data that says whistles increase chances of a strike!)
... And this one still had spots!
Believe you me, this is definitely not the case!
We can reduce the risk a bit, but it's mostly a crap shoot if you're in a risky area.
(ps- seen some data that says whistles increase chances of a strike!)
... And this one still had spots!
Totally agree Playfair,
Skill will not stop a deer strike if they come out of nowhere, we have Muntjac and Roe Deer and dusk and dawn is the worst time.
Advanced observations and lowering your speed will help but the blumming things come from nowhere and always more than one. Whilst we are on the subject of things trying to kill us what about Pheasants. I think they were introduced from the far east, well they can have them back, pesky birds.
Upt'North.
Ride safe.
Skill will not stop a deer strike if they come out of nowhere, we have Muntjac and Roe Deer and dusk and dawn is the worst time.
Advanced observations and lowering your speed will help but the blumming things come from nowhere and always more than one. Whilst we are on the subject of things trying to kill us what about Pheasants. I think they were introduced from the far east, well they can have them back, pesky birds.
Upt'North.
Ride safe.
Florissant, Colorado, USA. I have heard that mounting a deer whistle backwards will attract them (kidding). The mule deer are thick up here on these mountain roads. You need to consider concealment on the shoulders of the roads and definitely the time of day. If you see one deer, there are likely more that will panic to catch-up with the leader. If you are in deer country, dusk till dawn are the highest probability for deer strikes and if you must ride during that time consider slowing down!
I once rode through a flock of geese that were taking off from the side of the highway. I actually ducked below the windscreen and and damn near hit the top of my helmet! I road through at least 2 swarms of honey bees as well. Sheesh!
I live in Utah and Colorado and there very thick here. I will do most anything not to ride at night. In Colorado on one a short 2 hrs night ride, I had to ride at night to get back to camp, i almost hit a deer, Elk and a Moose. A sad Caddy did that for me... totaled the rig. It would have killed me and my brother and probably only left it with a scratch. I have them over my property all the time. South of Moab, UT during there is a very, very dangerous area about 3-5 miles long that have signs with daily deer hit totals. A short around the mountain we stopped counting after reaching 100 and this was during the day.
So far i have been lucky and i continue to ride being very cautious.
So far i have been lucky and i continue to ride being very cautious.
I live in PA. and a deer jumped out in front of my bike from the woods in broad daylight and skimmed the front of my bike with it midsection. If I was going a second faster than 45mph I would have broad sided it and had a wrecked bike and probably broken something.
Moral of the story: always wear protective gear and be aware at all times.
Moral of the story: always wear protective gear and be aware at all times.
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2009
- Messages
- 3,038
- Age
- 68
- Location
- West Des Moines, IA
- Bike
- 2022 Kymco AK 550
- 2024 Miles
- 000999
- STOC #
- 8058
Live and ride in Iowa... number 4 on the list. Can happen any time of day, just more likely at dawn or dusk. Been closest to impact with one on the bike in Wisconsin though (number 6). Also saw the smartest forest rat there... she was standing on the shoulder of the road just looking both ways before crossing. There was another cage coming one direction and I was going the other. We crossed each other just about where this deer was standing... waiting. Of course I was on the brakes and passed really slow but the deer just stood there and waiting until we were both past!
Oh, and don't forget. Where there is one there are more following.
Oh, and don't forget. Where there is one there are more following.
What will really bake your noodle is if you were going 2 seconds faster (55?) you would have missed the whole incident! :cp
schlep1967
Bill
Doing my part in PA. I've got 2 doe in the freezer so far in archery season. Still gotta fill the Buck tag.
scootac
Will Ride for Food
STurgisSTeele
When did I become the "Old Man"!?
Mine started this past Saturday... SW Lower Michigan.
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155324
John STeele
Peace and All Good
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155324
John STeele
Peace and All Good
Last edited:
acedantinne
Site Supporter
Got 1 so far. Bill still hunting. 5C= Nov26
I've managed to hit one in my current state of NC, in the wifes minivan, it didn't have insurance, the deer, not the van. Two close calls on motos when I lived in NY, in one instance, I actually went under the deer as it leaped into the air looking for an escape route, it was on the Taconic I believe, notorious for deer strikes due to it being narrow, and closed in by trees, the second was a near hit, avoided by liberal applications of vinyl swallowing, sphincter clenching braking, IIRC that was on Bear Mountain. Both on my old GS850. I really really hate forest rats.
*Took out a racoon yesterday, in the jeep. I felt the bump.....
*Took out a racoon yesterday, in the jeep. I felt the bump.....