Deer whistles produce either ultrasonic or audible frequencies as wind flows through them. The idea is to help the deer, blinded by your headlights, know where you are quick enough to run away from the sound of the whistle.

Although the theory sounds good, tests show that the whistles do not work. Information published by both Washington and Oregon State University, Cooperative Extension Services, tests by state police in Utah, Georgia, and Wisconsin, and testing in Europe all confirm the ineffectiveness of the devices.

Personal experience with deer standing on road shoulders leads me to believe that several rapid blasts on the car horn will normally send deer off in a direction away from the sound. If one deer crosses the road others will likely follow. Swerving or slamming on brakes seems to lead to more problems than steering straight ahead and hitting the deer. Stay away from injured deer. Deer hooves are powerful enough to tear through clothing and flesh. Remove dead deer from the roadway when possible and report the accident to the highway patrol.

Revised 2/16/2006.