 Deer whistles
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Just got home from a 800 km loop... and well although we got an early start still ended up riding a few in the dark.
Almost smoked a deer! There was about 6 of them buggers and I happened along just as the last one ran across my path. Buddy riding behind me said he thought I was toast. I missed Bambi by a hair!! Had to stop to gain composure... SCARY STUFF!!
So now I'm motivated to research deer whistles and I'm wondering what people here have to say about them. Do they work, yes/no? Some better than others? Alternative devices? Electronic versions? Park the bike (yeah, right!!)?
Hunters could save a lot of dough on gear if they just rode a bike, ANY bike down the road. The deer come to you!!!
Save a life... shoot a deer (never mind...).
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Yes they work. They make the deer wet themselves laughing as they wander out in front of you.....
Lights and whistles don't scare dear - loud noises do. But scaring them doesn't mean they'll run away from you. They are incredibly dumb creatures...
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228
I live in the sun downunder
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I live in the sun downunder
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228 |
Quote:
Just got home from a 800 km loop... and well although we got an early start still ended up riding a few in the dark.
Almost smoked a deer! There was about 6 of them buggers and I happened along just as the last one ran across my path. Buddy riding behind me said he thought I was toast. I missed Bambi by a hair!! Had to stop to gain composure... SCARY STUFF!!
So now I'm motivated to research deer whistles and I'm wondering what people here have to say about them. Do they work, yes/no? Some better than others? Alternative devices? Electronic versions? Park the bike (yeah, right!!)?
Hunters could save a lot of dough on gear if they just rode a bike, ANY bike down the road. The deer come to you!!!
Save a life... shoot a deer (never mind...).
Try a 30-06, they certainly whistle. 
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1 |
I had two on my bike last year, Never seen a deer.  On the other hand somebody remarked that If they worked the insurance companies would be giving them away.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457 |
I think deer react before they think, like roaches. Quoted from first google hit... Quote:
A scientific advisory panel from the World Society for the Protection of Animals states, after extensive review, that there is no known data "that shows that such devices can actually stop an animal crossing the road, which is the main purpose of the device."
Even if the devices were effective, they would soon become clogged with insects and dirt (since they are mounted on the front of the vehicle) and would stop working.
The state police in Ohio, after months of testing, found no significant decrease in patrol car/deer accidents after the warning devices were installed. In fact, more accidents were reported by the officers after the whistles were installed than before for the same period of time and stretches of highway. Tests conducted in Utah, Georgia and Wisconsin also concluded that deer whistles don't work
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Hi Keith, What I've seen in years past is what Lonzo posted. I've wondered with the thousands of deer killed on the highways every year, why the "run in front of cars/trucks/motorcycles/semis" gene doesn't get removed fron the DNA pool, and the ones that zigged survive, when their dead brothers zagged.  Then again, I've wondered if it follows that when motoring through deer infested country, if you go faster, you effectively reduce your "exposure to risk"? It's all very confusing, ride safe...........  jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 286
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 286 |
One of my friends from the Bennington Rally, Touko, has a deer whistle on his Rocket 3. It's not one of those passive whistles that makes sound from the air rushing through it, but rather an electronic noisemaking device that emits a high pitched whistle. If you stand in front of his bike and he turns it on, your ears start to hurt, pretty freaky, but from what he tells me he hasn't had any deer problems since he put it on.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524 |
Ironically, this morning's local news reported that deer collisions have increased 35% this year in the great state of Arkansaw. State Farm provided the statistics.
Didn't buy into the hype, you can keep the change.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Had to stop to gain composure...
That must've been the best joint ever... 
Heard on the news last night that Montana is the 5th worst state in the country for deer strikes. Virginia gets #1.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 592
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 592 |
Don't know if they work or not, but after hitting one I put them on my bike. It can't hurt.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 497
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 497 |
Glad you are OK Mountainman. I've had two close calls wih deer.
One in which the guy in a car infront of me got banged up. I'm
glad 100 times over that I didn't pass him like I wanted to.
I'm not sure that anything will deter a deer and have often
wondered if they are suicidal or just misanthropes by nature.
If there's nothing wrong with me,
maybe there's something wrong with the universe!
-Dr. Crusher
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Both Cycle World and Consumer reports ran a report on deer whistles a few years ago. I never read them, but saw quotes from them in some other magazines. Both magazines hired independant research teams to look at them. The conclusion was that they don't work. Generally speaking, deer have the same range of hearing that humans do. If you can't hear them, the deer can't either. Whistles are pure hokum. Further, the reason these over sized wood rats run across our path is their natural instinct to survive. They hear a noise, or see a threat, and they instictively run at a right angle to the threat. A predator finds it harder to make a sharp turn to catch them. Finally, what continues to bug me about this problem is that everybody complains about it but little is ever done by our "representatives" in the government. And by the way, last week another person was killed in a deer related accident just up the road from me. A man and woman were riding behind a car, the car braked and hit a deer, the motorcycle swerved to avoid the accident, ran in the ditch and killed the woman. 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
As bad as it is, this particular bike accident sounds like a serious case of "operator error".
The rider was following way too close or not paying attention if he had to swerve.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Since I started this thread I've read your comments and done some of my own research. It seems some of you may be right... deer whistles do nothing. However, there is a different product on the market called the Hornet.Still have to check into that product more but it seems a good idea for now. Dang deer... and their populations are on the increase. That makes me feel better (NOT!!!).
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048 |
Quote:
Try a 30-06, they certainly whistle.
****** I whistle when I hear 30-06.
01010100 01110010 01101001 01110101 01101101 01110000 01101000 <3
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Since I started this thread I've read your comments and done some of my own research. It seems some of you may be right... deer whistles do nothing. However, there is a different product on the market called the Hornet.
Still have to check into that product more but it seems a good idea for now. Dang deer... and their populations are on the increase. That makes me feel better (NOT!!!).
I dunno. I'm sceptical. I remember when deer whistles first came out, they were metal and cost $50. Now they are plastic and cost $4. I'd have to see some serious test results before I'd lay down that kind of moolah, with the wiring harnesses, mounts and such.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 110
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 110 |
We have whistles as well as for moose, deer and reindeer. All of them (I quess the same product for different animal) have one thing in common; none of them work!
Don´t waste your money on one, just ride carefully and safe.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 203
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 203 |
Can't say for sure if they scare the deer away. I can tell you that I've driven through the woods every November in my truck with them mounted backwards and they don't seem to attract deer either. 
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
Well Keith, I don't know. Haven't used them. However a gentleman in a bar said snapping one's fingers kept Bengal tigers at bay....honestly , it must work as I've never seen one in the woods here in Oklahoma 
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 298
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 298 |
Quote:
...he hasn't had any deer problems since he put it on.
Did he have deer problems before he put it on?
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 Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Dress in camoflage and carry a rifle.
The deer will hide from you.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Dress in camoflage and carry a rifle.
The deer will hide from you.
That's about the best idea I heard yet because it definitely works!!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
The City of Helena killed off 50 "city deer" this week. The lefties* and idiots** were up in arms, of course. Probably haven't smashed up their cars recently. Of course this doesn't really help much. 50 is a drop in the bucket and most deer hits are outside of city limits.
* Don't even THINK about starting up with the politics.
** My girlfriend's mother is against of all forms of animal killing, especially hunting, and she's a conservative meat-eater. Like I said, "Idiots." I need to make dinner for them and serve her deer or elk in the meal. That would be AWESOME.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Deer whistles, you say?! Naaah, they don't work at all!
However, I hear some folks out there are havin' some success scarin' those suckers away by usin' a slightly different type of deer wind instrument...those new deer kazoos!
(if ya haven't heard of 'em yet, that's 'cuz they've just hit the market)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
The City of Helena killed off 50 "city deer" this week. The lefties* and idiots** were up in arms, of course. Probably haven't smashed up their cars recently. Of course this doesn't really help much. 50 is a drop in the bucket and most deer hits are outside of city limits.
* Don't even THINK about starting up with the politics.
** My girlfriend's mother is against of all forms of animal killing, especially hunting, and she's a conservative meat-eater. Like I said, "Idiots." I need to make dinner for them and serve her deer or elk in the meal. That would be AWESOME.
And BTW John, I sure hope that that "somebody" who lives down there in the southeastern portion of Arizona looks at footnotes when he reads stuff!!!
(it doesn't take all that much to get the guy goin' a lot o' the time, ya know) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
she's a conservative meat-eater
Tell me, FJ, where does one go to get the meat of a conservative.
On a more serious note, the danged things should all be shot. The cost, not withstanding, is but a part of the problem - The threat to human life plays a much bigger and often ignored part in the arguement. I'm as close to a tree hugger as one could be without losing sight of reality, and, the reality is that deer are one example of fauna that SHOULD be a candidate for extinction. If one is ever searching for a reason for the right to bear arms - These forest rats are prime examples. Kill 'em all, I tell ya. Kill 'em all!!! There. I feel better now.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Well then Barry, you're in luck dude! (yep...I understand those new deer kazoos I was talkin' about above have garnered whole-hearted bi-partisan support throughout this great country of ours!!!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
....but sorry Keith.
The latest news comin' out of Ottawa is that your Prime Minister still has some reservations about the use of these deer kazoos, and so it may be a while before you hosers up there will be able to benefit from this innovative new device!!!
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Quote:
she's a conservative meat-eater
Tell me, FJ, where does one go to get the meat of a conservative.
Thank you for pointing out my misplaced modifier.
Of course the answer is, "Any red state."
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 71
Member
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Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 71 |
I can attest that of all the cars with deer whistle I saw in the 15 years I owned the
Granby Garage, not once did I see a deer in the shop at the same time.
I'm just sayin'....
"When possible, make a legal u-turn."
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Quote:
Kill 'em all!!! There. I feel better now.
Triple ditto! KILL! KILL! KILL! (My wife's in the other room, with soothing words... calm down dear, yessss dear, it will be allllright dear...., KILL! KILLL KIIIIL!)
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Quote:
Quote:
...he hasn't had any deer problems since he put it on.
Did he have deer problems before he put it on?
No he had DEAR problems. The same kind many of us Hen Pecked husbands have when we want to ride......
Yes Dear  No Dear All right Dear
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 71
Member
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Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 71 |
"When possible, make a legal u-turn."
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
....but sorry Keith.
The latest news comin' out of Ottawa is that your Prime Minister still has some reservations about the use of these deer kazoos, and so it may be a while before you hosers up there will be able to benefit from this innovative new device!!!
Look... if I depended on Ottawa and the PM for anything of importance I'd be hooped, hosed and hung out to dry. No... I know exactly where to turn for the answer to this here problem. Red Green! You know I'm right... he's got the smarts and the duct tape to prove it. And he's just like the rest of us... a hoser and proud to be one. I'm gonna email him right away and get back to ya all on this one.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
OH! Well as long as he's got the smarts AND the duct tape, then I guess you guys WON'T be needin' those new deer kazoos afterall!!!
But I gotta warn ya dude...it takes at least four rolls of duct tape to subdue each and every deer so's they won't jump out in front of ya.
And conservatively figuring that there's probably a gazillion deer up your way, that of course means you'll need to carry FOUR gazillion rolls of duct tape with ya while on your travels.
And so, I'm thinkin' that deer kazoo might be a little easier to pack!!!
(but go ahead with your plan if ya want...it's no skin off MY nose, ya know)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Nope... not saying the answer IS duct tape. Obviously you don't know Red Green like us Canucks do... duct tape is just a cover up for true genius. Red's gonna save the day on this one... I can smell it! Of course Bob and Doug probably got the whole thing figured out already, eh? Or maybe I should consult those Men with Brooms 'cause they seem to know a thing or two about the basics. Come to think of it I think I'll contact the PM after all... he's a hoser too and seems to know a lot about avoidance.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 41 |
im thinking of getting some, not sure what type, but i think the great state of Michigan ranks in the top 5 for dumb deer. 
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Just like deer, this thread popped up again out of nowhere. Ducking (unless you mean throwing duckS at them forest rats) doesn't help!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Deer whistles
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
The only dear whistle I have works well. She never comes running when I blow it. Come to think of it, she's warned me about EVER blowing it .... 
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