When are deer crashes most common in Wisconsin?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
October and November, during the breeding season, with a second peak in May and June when yearlings look for new territory. WisDOT's preliminary data counted 17,795 deer crashes in Wisconsin in 2025, with six deaths and 720 injuries.
The details
Deer cross Barron County roads all year, but the fall rut is the worst stretch. Dusk and night driving raise the risk, so the DNR recommends slowing down in the evening and scanning the roadsides.
- Motorcycles: WisDOT counted 223 motorcycle deer crashes in 2025, with four deaths and 80 serious injuries.
- If a crash is unavoidable: brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can cause a worse crash (WisDOT).
- Buckle up: WisDOT notes seat belts make injuries less severe or prevent them.
Hit a deer? Have it checked in Barron.
Book a visit with the service department for your brand to have your vehicle looked over, or call with questions.
More Deer Crash Help answers
- Hit a Deer in Wisconsin? What to Do, Who to Call, What Is Covered
- What should I do right after hitting a deer?
- Do I have to report hitting a deer in Wisconsin?
- Can I keep a deer I hit with my car in Wisconsin?
- Does car insurance cover hitting a deer?
Helpful Swant Graber pages
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- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
How many deer crashes did Wisconsin have in 2025?
17,795, according to WisDOT's preliminary data, with six deaths and 720 injuries.
What time of year should I watch for deer?
October and November are the peak, with another rise in May and June, per the Wisconsin DNR.
Do deer whistles work?
We didn't find an official Wisconsin source that recommends them. WisDOT's advice is to stay alert, brake firmly and stay in your lane.
Get it looked at in Barron
Book with the service department at either store on Highway 8. Service is open Monday to Friday; ask about a loaner when you book.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- Wisconsin DNR: Wildlife-vehicle collisions: dnr.wisconsin.gov
- WisDOT news release (May 2026): Deer crashes spike in late spring, early summer: wisconsindot.gov