Tim Bunton

Illinois DNR has long used deer–vehicle collision statistics as the basis for making management decisions regarding the state’s deer hunting seasons.
A new study by Purdue University in neighboring Indiana suggests recreational hunting of deer reduces those collisions, which has always been a benefit of the Illinois’ process. But Purdue’s research adds a bonus: “Targeted recreational hunting can reduce animal-vehicle collisions and generate substantial revenue for wildlife management agencies,” is how the study was titled in the scientific journal Science of The Total Environment.

These days, there’s a bit of apprehension in Tom Collings’ stride when he begins his annual inspection of hunting property along the Illinois River.
His weekly walks begin in August and continue through September, as he prepares locations to place his deer stand for the Oct. 1 archery season opener. Some years he finds dead deer.
“The year 2012 was the worst, by far, but there have been other bad years,” Collings said.