1. 1 Deer-Vehicle Issues in Iowa Steve J. Gent Iowa Dept. of Transportation

2. 2 Crash Figures DVC Increase 180%  In 1980, approx. 3,700 DVC  In 2000, approx. 10,389 DVC Over Same Time Period:  Deer Population: 260% Increase  Veh. Miles Traveled: 63% Increase

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4. 4 Crash Facts Over 12% of all Reported Crashes are DVC Over 30% of All Rural Crashes are DVC Nov., Dec., & May Highest  Farming, Rut, Birthing, Hunting August Lowest

5. 5 Deer Population Whitetail Deer in Iowa Believed to be Extinct in 1930’s Reintroduction Program Population is currently being Successfully Controlled by Iowa DNR

6. 6 Crash Locations Follow Streams and Woods Difficult to Predict 25% of Crashes Occur on 3+% of Roadway System More Vehicles  More Crashes More Deer  More Crashes Converse it also True

7. 7 Deer Fence Installed 2 Miles on I-35, Oct. 2000 Ave. 17 DVC/Yr, Before Highest Crash Site, Western ½ IA After: 5 DVC in 14 Months Likely 2 or 3 Should have been Prevented—Fence not Complete Another Fence on US 20 in Hardin County in 2002

8. 8 Deer Reflectors Study 5 Sites, Approx. 1 Mile Each Installed 1996 3 Year, Before/After Study Results: Inconclusive  Carcass Report: 14% Increase  Crash Reports: 7% Reduction Reviewed Other Research No Future Installations Planned

9. 9 Everyone Has Opinion DNR—Pressure from Farmers, Hunters, Businesses, etc. DOT—Political Pressure to Reduce Crashes Public Feels Government should be Responsible Deep Pockets

10. 10 Solutions????? No Easy Solutions Fencing Works  Expensive to Install  Expensive to Maintain Reducing Herd Size Works  Political