Lake Elmo To Open To Special Deer Hunt To Thin Herd

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has found that deers kill more drivers each year than drunks. They also found, that approximately 15,000 deer die in vehicle collisions each year and more than half of last year’s deer-vehicle accidents occurred from September through December.

Based on an increase in the local dear herd, the Lake Elmo city council will hold a lottery for eight hunters to hunt for two weekends this month (Nov. 8-9 and 15-16) in an effort to keep deer populations in balance with available habitat. (In a three square mile area, 45 to 60 deer is the recommended number.) Fly overs have suggested at present the number may be as high as 150.

To avoid damages from striking a deer, drivers can:

· Drive cautiously and slowly in peak months especially between dusk and dawn when most accidents occur

· Do not swerve into other lanes of traffic or off the road if you are about to hit a deer

· Brake firmly and keep both hands on the wheel

· Guide the vehicle to a controlled stop and then steer off the road

While there is no liability claim for the driver of the car, they are covered for No Fault Benefits. These

benefits are paid in the same manner that they would be paid in any Minnesota motor vehicle collision.