RE: Deer-proofing an Audi

[Jim Griffin <JGriff@pobox.com>]

At 06:25 PM 11/10/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Oh deer...
>
>Unfortunately, chances are that the deer whistles DON'T work.  Ask any
>body shop in an area with deer, and they'll likely tell you that alot of
>their deer wreckage came to them equipped with these devices.
>
>Here's what usually happens:  Deer, when startled or confused generally
>react by standing dumbfounded and staring at the unnatural object.  The
>most common example - headlights at night.  See, stop, stare, screech,
>boom.  Whistles are also a strange thing to them.  Hear, stop, stare,
>screech, boom.
>
>Hope I didn't offend anyone with deer whistles!
>
>Regards,
>-David

I figured that too.... before I put them on my car in anticipation of some potential run-ins on the way out to Colorado for Audi-Fest '97. I think that if the deer is in the road already, nothing will work to clear him/her off (other than your front bumper!!). I believe the thought process behind the whistle is to keep them from running out into the road, from the woods. So... if the deer is on the side of the road, and hears the whistle, he/she will hear, stop, and hopefully stay put until the offending whistle has passed. That's what I figure... and am hoping is the case...

So, even with this $5.00 plastic gizmo, I am, of course, up sh*ts creek without a paddle, just like everyone else, if the deer is already playing footsie with the center line...

I guess I'll only know if they work if I see one head out of the woods at full steam, into the road. And then, hmm... I'd have to wonder if maybe that ONE was tone deaf... :-)

Makes one wonder if there is any scientific testing behind all this... or just slick marketing!!





Jim Griffin
                 JGriff@pobox.com
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/4475/
 Maryland, USA
"Perception is often stronger than reality!"
'92 Audi 100S
'87 VW Quantum Syncro Wagon
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