by Mike Miller
When I was a boy, it wasn’t uncommon for the whole family to
jump in the car and take a Sunday afternoon drive through the back roads of
Kiowa County. While it was a way to relax and see the countryside for the rest
of the family, my goal was to see wildlife. I was specifically looking for
pheasants and scouting for the coming fall hunting season. As I got older and
began hunting with high school friends, we always had a running competition to
see who would be first to spot wildlife. Unfortunately, one of my friends had
eyes like an eagle, and he usually won, but I kept trying.
I believe my habit of keeping an eye out for wildlife has
helped me avoid countless vehicle collisions. I’ve had some close calls, but I’ve
never hit a deer or other large critter while driving. I’m always scanning the
roadsides ahead, pointing out any deer, turkeys, pheasants, or other wildlife I
see to my wife, who humors me and pretends to be pleased with my sightings.
Watching for wildlife is a good habit to learn. While I’m
sure my vision has probably deteriorated some, my ability to see wildlife has
actually improved. I’ve learned that it wasn’t as much my friend’s 20/15 vision
that helped him spot critters as it was his technique. He saw color, movement
or reflection, and focusing in on that spot often revealed an animal. I’ve also
learned to be extra-alert in certain areas such as stream crossings, tree
lines, feed fields and water sources. And I know if I see deer in an area, I’ll
likely see deer there again.
At night, I use my bright lights as much as possible.
Headlamps on recent model vehicles provide an amazing amount of peripheral
light along the road ahead. Deer eyes are highly reflective, especially if you
have your brights on. If I see even the tiniest glint of a reflection, I let
off the gas, slow down and scan the area more carefully.
I have no doubt that my wildlife watching habit has also
helped me avoid accidents with other vehicles. You have to scan far ahead if
you want to be first to spot a critter, and this habit gives me more time to
react if I see a problem.
Try it next time you drive. Propose a friendly wildlife
spotting competition with whoever is in the car with you. Not only will you be
more alert, you’ll likely avoid an accident and keep wildlife alive. A dead
critter on the shoulder is such a waste. And besides, watching for and keeping
track of the wildlife you see will make any long drive go by more quickly.
Mike Miller is Chief
of the Information Production Section for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and
Parks
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