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News Release 10/20/06

STATE WILDLIFE AGENCIES SAY HUNTING NOT THE REASON FOR NATIONAL INCREASE IN DEER-RELATED COLLISIONS

Washington, D.C. (October 20, 2006) -This week, the State Farm Insurance issued its annual report showing that deer-related vehicle collisions have risen almost six percent -An estimated 10,000 more collisions occurred since last fall. State fish and wildlife agency experts say that hunting season is not to blame for the increase in deer/car collisions in the fall, but rather a combination of both natural and human-caused influences.

"It's a common misconception that deer are 'flushed out of woods' by hunters," says Matt Hogan , Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. "In fact, it's a series of both natural and human-causes that have deer on the move."

Some people mistakenly blame hunting for the increase in deer activity in the fall, failing to realize that it would occur regardless of hunter presence. Many state agency deer experts say deer are on the move in the fall due to the following reasons:

Mating season -peak mating season for white-tailed deer-when deer are actively searching their area for mates-occurs between October and early December for most of the lower 48 states.

Shorter days and longer nights -white-tailed deer are most active at dawn and dusk, a time of day associated with rush hour in fall and winter months. People head to and from work around the time when deer are most active.

Increased populations -nearly extinct 100 years ago, white-tailed deer have made a comeback thanks to proper management, conservation and regulations. In many states, deer have few natural predators, and are highly adaptable to urban surroundings.

Habitat fragmentation -deer and people are living closer to each other due to an increase in human populations and urban and rural development. Since people and deer often share a habitat, deer have more limited natural food sources, and move in search of new food and water sources. Deer populations have greatly increased in relation to the habitat and food supply.

Cost of losing hunting - managing white-tailed deer populations through hunting is an important step in reducing deer damage and protecting the natural balance and diversity of wildlife communities. With habitat fragmentation on the rise and changing land restrictions, there are fewer places to hunt and fewer hunters to control populations.

According to a report released last year by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Potential Costs of Losing Hunting and Trapping as Management Practices, four percent of the nation's 6.1 million auto accidents reported to the police-or 247,000 incidents-involved direct collisions with animals, as indicated by the Center for Disease Control and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Deer are involved in 86.9 percent of injury cases. If hunting were lost as a wildlife management tool, state wildlife agencies estimate an additional 50,000 injuries per year, and $3.8 billion in additional auto repair costs.

In their press release, State Farm's senior research analyst Melissa Miles said, "While research has revealed several innovative ways to deter deer from entering the roadways and alerting drivers to the dangers of deer in the area, there will always remain a constant danger of deer-vehicle collisions. Undoubtedly, the best way to avoid deer-vehicle collisions is through attentive driving behavior."

If traveling at dawn, dusk or in the evenings, state fish and wildlife agencies urge motorists to be vigilant. Drivers who encounter deer in the road should slow to a stop and allow the deer to cross before continuing. Deer usually travel in groups-where you see one, you'll likely see more.

For more specific information on deer and vehicle collisions, contact your state's fish and wildlife agency. A complete listing can be found at http://www.fishwildlife.org/where_us.html

For the complete report, Potential Costs of Losing Hunting and Trapping as Management Practices, click to http://www.fishwildlife.org/bearsbackyard.html

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The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies -the organization that represents all of North America's fish and wildlife agencies-promotes sound management and conservation, and speaks with a unified voice on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.org .