A few years ago a hit a very large dog while riding my motorcycle at 55 mph. It did not turn out well. Not for the dog, the motorcycle, or me. That incident has done a couple of things for me. I am even a bigger advcocate of ATGATT (all the gear all the time) as I wasn't wearing a full face helmet I would not be typing this to you today. Secondly, I very, very, let me say it again, very cautious while driving this time of year due to deer. After hitting a dog I don't want to mess with a deer! I now don't ride my motorcycle at night this time of year.
If you are not familiar with deer, they are a bit diffent than humans that the poet tell us in spring a young man's heart turns to love. In fall the young deer's heart turns to love so they are all running after or away from a deer of the opposite sex! The last thing on their little minds if you are riding or driving down the street.
Here is a little info from Erie on the subject: http://auto.erieinsurance.com/deer-car-crashes.aspx I'll even add this from UNC ( who will run into a big gobbler http://www.hokiesports.com/ this Thursday) http://www.hsrc.unc.edu/safety_info/animal_vehicle/safety_tips.cfm
Ok, lets be safe out there!