Here's some unsurprising news — Iowa is ranked as a high-risk state for deer collisions, according to State Farm's 2017 deer-collision study.

State Farm's data shows that Iowans are some of the most likely people to make an insurance claim related to a collision with a deer, elk or moose. Iowa drivers have a 1-in-69 chance of hitting a deer, according to the study, the fourth-highest odds in the country.

At the top of the list is West Virginia, where drivers have a 1-in-43 chance of hitting a deer with their cars.

Meanwhile, Farmers Insurance reports that a third of all animal-collision claims are filed during the fall, with 65 percent of Iowa's claims coming between September and November.

Despite the high ranking, the deer population in Iowa has been stable since 2013, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

As the number of miles driven across the state have increased in recent years, the deer-crash rate has remained stable, said Tyler Harms, Iowa DNR wildlife bio-metrician.

In 2016, there were 7,163 crashes reported to law enforcement across Iowa, he said.

"We want people to have a successful hunt and that requires a population at a certain level, but we need to consider what other people feel about the deer herd as well," Harms said.

The Iowa DNR has a goal to maintain a deer population that produces an annual harvest between 100,000 to 120,000 deer.

In 2016, 101,397 deer were harvested, Harms said.

As for why Iowa has a higher overall deer-crash rate than the rest of the country, Harms said it has to do with the state's landscape.

Fall is breeding season for deer, so they're moving more often right now. He said they're leaving covered areas such as forests or brush to find food.

However, deer in central Iowa may have to search farther for food because of the abundance of agricultural land. Meanwhile, deer may have an easier time of finding forested areas in northeast Iowa, Harms said.

"They’re moving out of areas of cover to areas where they can feed," Harms said. "They might not have to go very far from cover to food, but in other cases they may have to travel longer distances in order to satisfy those needs."

If drivers encounter deer, Harms said to remember, "Don't veer for deer."

"Be sure you’re vigilant and alert when you’re driving, and that will be helpful," Harms said.

Tips to avoid a deer collision:

Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn.

If you see one deer, be prepared for more deer to cross the road.

Pay attention to deer crossing signs.

Always buckle up, every trip, every time.

Use your high beams to see farther, except when there is oncoming traffic.

Brake if you can, but avoid swerving, which could result in a more severe crash.

Remain focused on the road, scanning for hazards, including animals.

Avoid distractions, like devices or eating, which might cause you to miss seeing an animal.

Do not rely on products such as deer whistles, which are not proven to be effective.

If riding a motorcycle, always wear protective gear and keep focused on the road ahead

— State Farm Insurance