With Deer Season in Full Motion, Drivers are on the Lookout

Intro:	This year's deeer population is going to look a lot like last years, but Missouri Highway Patrol says drivers still need to be cautious. Erica Coghill has more from the State Capital.
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Wrap: The Missouri State Highway Patrol says deer-vehicle crashes increased from year 2008 to 2009.

Missouri Department of Conservation's Lonnie Hansen says the deer-vehicle accidents peaked about 5 years ago, but have declined since then.

Hansen says the Conservation Department has taken steps to reduce the deer population.

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Description: "We've tried to promote the harvest of does, because doe harvest is what really determines population growth and so our seasons have been set, for example, now in northern Missouri a person can take as many does as they want during the hunting season."

Hansen predicts the deer population will be similar to last years.

From the State Capital, I'm Erica Coghill.

Intro:	Researchers say deer crossing signs aren't effectively preventing deer-vehicle collisons. Erica Coghill has more from the State Capital.
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Wrap: With deer season in full swing, officials are searching for techniques to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

One technique the public frequently requests, is to put up deer crossing signs.

But MoDot's John Miller says according to research, the signs aren't doing much to prevent collisions.

Missouri Department of Conservation's Lonnie Hansen agrees.

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Description: "The problem with deer crossing signs is most of the residents, most of the people who drive those roads regularly see them and may pay attention to them for a short while, but ultimately, they tend to ignore them."

Hansen says studies are being done on flashing signs, activated by an animal's presence.

From the State Capital, I'm Erica Coghill.

Intro:	Deer season is in full swing and the Missouri Department of Conservation is taking steps to reducce the deer population. Erica Coghill has more from the State Capital.
RunTime:	0:39
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Missouri Department of Conservation's Lonnie Hansen says deer-vehicle collisions have decreased over the past five years.

He says this year's deer population looks a lot like last year's.

Hansen says deer are more active this time of year because it's breeding season.

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Description: "The bucks tend to chase does, they look for does that are in breeding condition and in the process they are moving over large areas, they're moving a lot and they're less wary of roads in Missouri and so unfortunately they run out in front of vehicles."

MoDot's John Miller says if a deer runs in front of a car, drivers should stay in their lane, and not swerve.

From the State Capital, I'm Erica Coghill.