Madison, WI – Wisconsin transportation officials are reminding drivers what to do if they strike a deer this week, as deer remain highly active statewide even after the close of gun hunting season. With an estimated 1.6 million white-tailed deer in Wisconsin and up to 19,000 deer-vehicle crashes annually, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) says motorists should be prepared for sudden roadway encounters year-round.
According to WisDOT, motorists should call 911 immediately if a deer carcass remains on the active, traveled portion of a roadway, creating an urgent safety hazard. If the animal is on the shoulder or off the roadway, the correct reporting agency depends on the type of road. For Interstates, U.S. highways, and state highways, drivers should use the non-emergency number for their local county sheriff’s department. County crews handle disposal along county highways, while municipalities manage carcass removal on local roads.
State officials also highlighted Wisconsin’s Car-Killed Deer (CKD) program, which uses contractors to dispose of deer on major highways. Approved methods include landfill disposal, incineration, chemical digestion, rendering (in areas not affected by Chronic Wasting Disease), and roadside placement in designated rural zones. WisDOT says roadside disposal has significantly reduced program costs and provides food sources for wildlife under strict location and safety guidelines.
Drivers are urged to report precise locations, including mile markers, nearby intersections, exit numbers, or mailbox addresses, to help removal crews quickly locate remains.
WisDOT continues to remind motorists to slow down, especially at dawn and dusk; watch for multiple deer; brake firmly rather than swerve; and stay inside their vehicle after a crash until law enforcement arrives.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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