Iowa Harvest and the Time Change Put Drivers on a Collision Course With Deer

It's that time of year again. Farmers are bringing in the crops, the days are getting shorter, hunters are heading out, and deer are becoming a much bigger concern for drivers across the Midwest. If you've ever hit a deer, you know it happens in a split second. Unfortunately for us, the next three months are among the most dangerous for Iowans to be on the road.

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the combination of crop harvest, deer breeding season, and changing daylight hours increases the risk of vehicle-deer collisions. From mid-October through the third week of November, bucks become especially active as they chase does during the rut.

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Harvest adds another problem. As farmers clear fields, deer lose the cover they've been using for shelter. They often move toward wooded areas, brushy creeks, and fence lines, which puts them increasingly right along the roads we travel daily. Deer can suddenly dart across highways, and where there's one, there are usually more to follow.

Iowa Is No Stranger to Deer Collisions

Just how likely are you to hit a deer while driving in Iowa? According to State Farm's 2025–2026 report, Iowa drivers have about a 1 in 81 chance of filing an insurance claim after hitting an animal during the reporting period. Additionally, Iowa ranked sixth in the nation for animal-collision claim likelihood.

While that stat includes animals other than deer, it shows just how common these collisions can be. Not to mention that harvest, breeding, and hunting seasons play a major role in deer activity. State Farm's data shows that November is the most dangerous month nationally for animal-related collisions, followed by October and December.

Read More: How likely are you to hit a deer in IA, IL, and WI?

Iowa also has a history of seeing crashes spike during the first half of November. Iowa Department of Transportation data covering 2014 through 2023 found that November 8th had the highest number of reported animal-related crashes of any calendar date, with 718. That number reinforces the need to stay alert as harvest season winds down and deer become increasingly active.

Daylight Saving Time Ends November 1, 2026

Clocks will yet again fall back one hour as daylight saving time ends. That means many people heading home from work will be driving in the dark or during dusk, right when deer are especially active.

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Deer are crepuscular, being most active around dawn and dusk. Additionally, darker conditions make it harder for drivers to spot them early. Put that together with harvest and breeding season, and it's easy to see why this time of year deserves extra attention behind the wheel.

When Deer Meets Car; It Isn't Pretty...

I've been there, and it's no fun. I've had my share of run-ins with deer, but one that sticks with me happened during a simple trip to the grocery store with my wife and kids. We were heading home after dusk when a large doe suddenly jumped out in front of us.

You have seconds to make a decision. We were on Highway 151 going 65 miles per hour. There were cars following behind me, so slamming on the brakes could have caused us to be rear-ended. Swerving could have sent us into another vehicle or off the road entirely. What do you do?

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What you can, is the answer: maintain control, brace for impact, and hit the deer. Thankfully, my family and I came out of it all right, but our Toyota Camry was totaled. It was also quite scary with my infant twins in the back seat. This story is one that plays out across the Midwest every fall. Sometimes, even when you do your best to react safely, there's simply not enough time to avoid a collision.

What Can Iowans Do to Stay Safe?

The Iowa DNR recommends slowing down, leaving extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you, and keeping an eye on the ditches as you drive. I have even seen people use fog lights at night to catch eye shine in the ditches. Also, know where you're driving; pay particular attention for wooded areas, fence lines, and other places where deer could be hiding.

If a deer crosses the road, remember that others may be close behind. Most importantly, don't swerve to avoid a deer if doing so would put you in the path of another vehicle or obstacle. Maintain control of your vehicle and brake when it's safe to.

Read More: What to Do (and Not Do) If You Hit a Deer in Iowa

If you do hit a deer, pull over somewhere out of traffic, turn on your hazard lights, and contact law enforcement. Don't approach an injured deer, and don't assume your vehicle is safe to drive just because it still runs.

You can't predict every deer that might jump into your path, but you can give yourself more time to react. As harvest continues and the clocks change, slow down, stay alert, and give yourself a little extra time getting home. That "quick trip" to the grocery store isn't worth taking chances on the road this time of the year.