Bucks are staking their territory in Gage County as mating season hits. Combines are running deer out of their hiding spots in corn fields. Rifle season will begin. Nov. 15 and more deer will be running from hunters, most likely across busy roads and highways.

As cars speed down U.S. Highway 77,  deer quickly sprint across, and usually not one at a time.

“If you see one, there will always be another. If you see one go across, don’t think it’s clear and punch it through. Be aware,” Gage County Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson said.

Since the first of the year, 108 deer-related motor vehicle collisions have been reported in Gage County.

Of those, no injuries were reported.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety there are an estimated 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions annually in the United States, causing more than 150 fatalities and $1.1 billion in property damage.

While Gage County has been fortunate to not have human injuries as a result of deer collisions, Gustafson urges drivers to be cautious during this time of year when deer are abundant on the roadways.

He said areas with thick growth, lots of trees or when corn has not been harvested yet are where deer are most likely to be.

It’s also wise to be cautious near creeks and streams where deer may be drinking and get spooked, running across the road.

Be especially careful at dusk or early morning and sundown. Deer are often out during those times still foraging for food, Gustafson said.

AAA’s Nebraska News Notes offered the following advice for drivers who come across deer in the roadway: Hit the brakes, but do not swerve into other lanes. Blast your horn to encourage the deer to move.

If you are traveling at high speeds, avoid swerving around a deer. A rollover crash as a result from swerving will be much more damaging than hitting the deer.

If an impact is imminent, AAA urges drivers to brace themselves on the steering wheel with both hands and prepare for airbag deployment.

If you get in an accident with a deer, Gustafson said it’s important to report it.

Nebraska state law requires any damage $1,000 or more, or any accident with a deer involving death or injury, to be reported immediately.

If you hit a deer and the deer is badly hurt, but not dead, you should call the Sheriff’s office or a member of the Game and Parks Commission to terminate the animal.