I've had some close calls with deer as well--especially the early morning rides. There's no one coming for miles and then they decide to jump into the road just as I ride up with my bike.

I've tried waving my hands and yelling too. No luck. There they stand until I'm a foot away.

By the way, the same is true with teenagers riding bikes. They slowly weave back and forth in the middle of the road or on the wrong side of the road. And when I'm five feet from them they veer directly into my path. Texting. They are TEXTING while riding their bikes. Without helments. On the wrong side of the road.

Sorry, OT. But I treat them as cautiously as I treat deer when I see them coming up.