Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says he and Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm escaped injury when Stenehjem's sport utility vehicle struck a deer while the two were on their way to a political meeting.

The collision happened Sunday afternoon near Anamoose, when a large buck ran from a corn field along the highway and suddenly turned in front of the SUV, Stenehjem said.

Stenehjem said he braked but still struck the animal's left hindquarters. He said the deer ran into another field "and, I'm sure, expired."

Stenehjem said the SUV's left headlight was knocked out but the Cadillac still was drivable. He said he and Hamm canceled their appearances in Rugby and headed back to Bismarck, where he reported the crash.

The state Game and Fish Department issued a statement Monday warning drivers to watch for deer on the roads. Biologists say deer are most active from late October through December, and most deer-vehicle accidents occur at dawn and dusk when the animals are on the move.

"Deer-vehicle accidents are at times unavoidable," biologist Bill Jensen said. "However, motorists should be aware of warning signs signaling deer are in the area."

Jensen said that when drivers see one deer cross the road, they should look for a second or third deer to follow.

To reduce the chance of injury or damage, drivers should not swerve or take the ditch to avoid a deer, but should try to brake as much as possible and stay on the road, Jensen said. If they see deer ahead, drivers are advised to slow down and honk the horn.

Law enforcement authorities should be contacted if an accident happens, officials said.

A permit is required to take parts or the whole carcass of a road-killed deer, the Game and Fish Department said. The permits are free from game wardens and local law enforcement offices.