Lancaster County Sheriff, Terry Wagner says they've investigated about 51 car-deer crashes first week of November as opposed to 28 the same time last year.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says the animals are on the move this time of year.

"In November there are several things going on. The deer breeding season has kicked in full swing and the bucks are chasing the does," said Kit Hams, Big Game Program Manager for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Hams also says the late harvest and the loud machinery are pushing the deer out of the fields and forcing them to seek cover other than in corn stalks.

Another reason- Daylight savings time ended.

"The daylight and dusk are more in line with commute times and so you have a lot more traffic on the roads," said Lancaster County Sheriff, Terry Wagner

Dusk and dawn are a prime time for deer to be on the move.

"If you see a deer in front of your vehicle, I think the best course of action is to break, and to brace for impact. You don't want to swerve right or left because if you swerve to the right there's a good chance you're going to go into a ditch," says Wagner.

Sheriff Wagner says there are a few areas you should be extra cautious.
He says any time a roadway crosses through a tree line or passes over a creek or other water areas, there is sure to be deer. Those are places deer tend to take cover.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says that if you see one deer, there will be others in the area because they tend to travel in groups. In that case, drive with extra caution.

Game and Parks says the rifle hunting season will cut down the deer population which could cut down on deer related accidents.
It begins this weekend.