Auto/deer collisions

[Fishbonker]

The latest issue of American Hunter Magazine has a side bar on the "Top Ten States for Auto/Deer Collisions" They got it from CNN/Money, 11/04/05. The top ten list is:

1. Pennsylvania
2. Michigan
3. Illinois
4. Ohio
5. Georgia
6. Minnesota
7. Virginia
8. Indiana
9. Texas
10. Wisconsin

1.5 million vehicles collide with deer every year, resulting in 150 motorist deaths and 1.1 billion dollars in vehicle damages.

These figures were compiled by State Farm Insurance. I don't know the methodology for the list, so I don't know if they just looked at people who were covered by State Farm or all drivers, if they compared miles driven per state and number of auto/deer collisions or what.

Anybody notice which state is conspicous in their abcense? I have to wonder what kind of pressure the State Legislatures in the 10 listed states are getting because we all know who has the loudest voice (read that best funded voice) in the Iowa State Legislature.

We aren't even in the top ten, and a quick review of the topics on this site show what a hot topic insurance company lobbying for deer control is.

This didn't start out as a rant but it is quickly going that way so I'll dial it back (down) a notch and just say in the upcoming Session contact your reps, contact them often and for huntings sake join a hunting organization that has some sort of legislative representation, a.k.a. "Lobbiest".

I'm not sure, but I bet somebody on the site could make a list for us, of all the groups that have representation and I know there is the Sportsmans Alliance that is an umbrella group for several. Choose the group that best represents your views and methods of take and become a member TODAY. The IBA works for me and it will work for you too, as will any number of fine organizations.

The point is JOIN ONE (or more) so you and your sport can have a voice on The Hill.

OK, I'm spent.

The 'Bonker

 

[dbltree]

Happened upon this article, which must be at least several years old. Iowa's car/deer incidents are barely 10% of states like PA and MI. It's curious to note that the changes implemented at that time "were sure to lower the deer herd".
Not only has it not been lowered, it hasn't even been controlled. I wouldn't expect any less pressure on our legislature to add new laws or regulations that will attempt to "turn the tide".

http://www.timesrepublican.com/edit/story/0323202005_edtedit.asp

 

[PYBucks]

The insurance lobby is basically "managing" the herd in MI. In southern MI you can buy one doe tag a day so you could shoot about 150 deer if you wanted to. Tags are only $7.

I would say the population in the county I live in is less than half of what it was 5 years ago. There are still areas just outside Ann Arbor that still have high populations though

Tim

 

[tracker]

I really haven't seen the dead deer or car parts laying on the shoulder like I have in years past. I have seen more timber/pasture on the outside of major cities being developed where I have seen deer there in previous years.