Best Deer Whistle for Motorcycles and Cars [Buying Guide]

While deer have very sensitive hearing, a conventional car or motorcycle horn may not be adequate to warn them of impending danger. This puts your life, the lives of your vehicle occupants, and that of the deer at risk in the event of a collision. That’s where deer whistles come in – to scare them off and avoid crashes.

Deer whistles come in all shapes and sizes. It’s always a good idea to go with products from reputable manufacturers such as Living Products LLC, Seven Sparta, and CITKOU. The difference between their respective products all comes down to price, size, and type.

We tested several deer whistles from the leading brands on the market to bring you our top picks for the best deer whistle for motorcycles and cars, as well as what to look for when choosing the right one.

	Save-A-Deer Whistle	Seven Sparta Save a Deer Whistle	CITKOU Deer Whistle
	Best Overall	Best Dual Mount	Best Value
Dimensions	4.3 x 2.4 x 0.4 in.	2.44 x 2.44 x 2.4 in.	3.94 x 3.03 x 2.56 in.
Type	Single mount, ultrasonic, and sonic/wind	Dual mount, ultrasonic, and sonic/wind	Single mount, ultrasonic
Mount	Self-adhesion	Self-adhesion, screw-on	Self-adhesion
	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

 

How We Tested and Compared These Products

The single most important factor we looked at when testing the deer whistles was effectiveness. We wanted to know – do they actually work? To answer this question, we checked for their audibility, airflow activation, and the frequency range of the sound they emit.

Additionally, we were also interested in how durable the products are, whether they are water and weather-resistant, and how likely they are to remain mounted on your car or motorcycle. Based on those criteria, here are the top-ranking products that performed exceptionally well.

 

Our Pick: Save-A-Deer Whistle – Best Overall

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Features:
● Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.4 x 0.4 inches
● Design: Air-activated
● Whistle type: Single mount, ultrasonic and sonic/wind
● Mount type: Self-adhesion

Top on our list is the Save-A-Deer whistle from Living Products, LLC. The company has had a sterling reputation for manufacturing high-quality deer whistles since its inception in 1988. To date, it has sold more than 2 million deer whistles worldwide and counting.

The first thing that stood out to us was how small this particular whistle is. While we were a bit skeptical at first, we put it to the test anyway, and, we must say, the performance of this deer warning whistle was nothing short of outstanding.

Audibility

For starters, you can mount this deer warning whistle on a motorcycle, car, or truck moving at 35 mph or higher. Once you reach those speeds, the Save-A-Deer whistle generates a high-pitched sound that’s audible to deer and other wildlife like antelope, elk, moose, and kangaroos. You don’t have to purchase several different whistles to scare off different types of wildlife.

To see it in action, we mounted it on our vehicle and hit the road. We came across several deer that froze in fear along the side of the road and several others that scampered for safety as we approached. That was a pretty good indicator that the device was working as it should.

Design

One of the features we liked most about the Save-A-Deer whistle was its dual-construction, single-mount design. Now, that’s something you don’t often come across. It means that you only need one unit for the job of two (ultrasonic and sonic whistles). Its smaller size also makes it ideal for low-profile cars, which is, incidentally, what we were driving around in.

You can mount it right-side-up, upside-down, or hide it in the grill under your car’s bumper. Its compact size also makes it ideal for motorcycles, and its flow-through construction means it is less likely to clog. Once you install it on your vehicle, maintenance is a breeze.

Durability

The Save-A-Deer whistle is manufactured using high-quality materials all made in the US. It holds up exceptionally well in extreme weather conditions, so you don’t have to worry about premature wear and tear. The unit has a superior mounting adhesive that makes it easy to install in a matter of seconds, and it doesn’t come off easily. You would need to use a bit of force to rip it off your vehicle.

All in all, the Save-A-Deer whistle is a solid option for anyone looking for a simple, effective, and subtle device to mount on their vehicle or motorcycle to help avoid an animal collision.

Best Alternatives

Seven Sparta Save a Deer Whistle – Best Dual Mount Whistle

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Features:

• Dimensions: 2.44 x 2.44 x 2.4 inches
• Design: Air-activated
• Whistle type: Dual mount – ultrasonic and wind whistles
• Mount type: Self-adhesion, screw-on

The Save a Deer whistle from Seven Sparta is another cutting-edge option to consider. The company is devoted exclusively to designing and manufacturing high-quality, high-performance components for SUVs, pickup trucks, and Wrangler. Their range of deer whistles happens to be one of their best-selling product categories.

Unlike the single-mount, dual-construction design of the Save-A-Deer whistle from Living Products LLC, this unit from Seven Sparta comes in a pair (one ultrasonic whistle and one wind whistle). For best results, you need to mount each of them at the front of your vehicle/motorcycle. We would have preferred if both whistles came in a single mountable unit, although, at the end of the day, their performance is what we were concerned with.

Audibility

The ultrasonic whistle has a small hole in the tail, while the wind whistle adopts a closed-hole design. They both emit high-pitched audios (ultrasonic and sonic) the moment the vehicle reaches speeds of 30 mph and over. The sound is audible to deer up to a quarter a mile away.

Based on our tests, we found these assertions to be true. Deer scampered for safety as we approached while those that were already crossing the road turned back. That was a pretty solid indicator that the high-frequency sound emitted by both the ultrasonic whistle and the wind whistle were audible to the wildlife.

Installation

The Seven Sparta Save a Deer whistle supports two installation methods. You can mount it on your vehicle using the waterproof self-adhesion tape it comes with or screw it on instead. Keep in mind that the screws don’t come with the whistle. You’d have to purchase them separately.

The double-back adhesive tape is strong, thick, weather-resistant, and easy to install. All you have to do is peel off the tape to expose the sticky surface and mount it to the bumper or grill at the front of your vehicle. It remains intact even after you take your vehicle for a professional car wash.

We also like that each unit has an extra adhesive pad for replacement once the original one wears off. The whistles are compatible with all cars, SUVs, trucks, and motor vehicles.

Durability

The Seven Sparta Save a Deer whistles feel exceptionally sturdy. They are made of premium plastic material that can withstand a wide range of weather conditions without affecting them. Whether you’re driving in extreme summer heat or frosty winter weather, they’re built to stand the test of time.

These particular units cost a little more than the Save-A-Deer whistles from Living Products LLC. Nonetheless, you get two pairs of ultrasonic and wind whistles for the price, meaning four whistles in total. All in all, they deliver excellent value for the money.

CITKOU Deer Whistle – Best Value

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Features:

• Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.03 x 2.56 inches
• Design: Air-activated
• Whistle type: Single mount, ultrasonic
• Mount type: Self-adhesion

The CITKOU Deer Whistle is another great option to consider. While it may not be as sophisticated as the other two options we’ve looked at so far, it is just as effective at scaring off stray deer that wander onto the road as you drive by. CITKOU is no stranger to the deer whistles space. The company has been around for several years and has carved out a niche for itself in manufacturing high-quality deer whistles.

Audibility

Unlike the Save a Deer whistles from Seven Sparta, CITKOU whistles are exclusively ultrasonic. The company doesn’t feature a closed-hole option. Nonetheless, it works just as well to ward off wildlife. We mounted it on our vehicle and drove up-country to test just how effective it was. We must say – we were pretty impressed with its performance despite our initial reservations.

We maintained a constant 35-mph speed along the road, which is necessary for the air-activated device to work. Not only did we witness several deer scampering away from the road from roughly a quarter a mile away, but we also passed several others that appeared frozen by the roadside, likely out of fear from the sound of the whistle. These results suggest that the device works as it should.

Installation

We liked how quick and easy the installation process was. CITKOU whistles are compatible with any car, truck, SUV, ATV, and motorcycle. To mount them on your vehicle, all you have to do is remove the adhesive tape at the back of the device and stick it at the front of your car.

Anywhere on the grill or bumper will suffice. We made sure that the larger ends were pointed to the front and that the whistle was leveled with the horizon to ensure maximum airflow.

Although the manufacturer recommends mounting two whistles for best effects, we found that one works just as well. We did not notice any difference in performance. Nonetheless, since the pack comes with eight whistles, there’s no reason why you can’t install two just to be on the safe side.

Durability

As far as durability goes, CITKOU deer whistles are made of premium-quality, molded ABS plastic. They have a matte surface that can withstand extreme outdoor weather conditions. You can tell from how sturdy they feel that these whistles are built to last.

The base with the stick-on adhesive is sufficiently long for optimum stability, with each strip measuring 2.36 x 1.38 x 1 inches. We especially like that the glue is strong enough to keep the whistle mounted on your car but not so sticky it ends up damaging the paint when you need to detach it. If you do remove it and find remnants of glue still stuck to the surface of your vehicle, rubbing a little alcohol or any good quality citrus-based remover on it should do the trick.

When taking your vehicle for a professional car wash, we recommend detaching the whistle from the base. To do this, press down the block button and slide it out. To install it afterward, simply slide it back in. It’s pretty convenient, and it also helps that the adhesive base is waterproof as well.

All in all, the CITKOU deer whistle delivers on its promise to keep deer and other wildlife away to avoid any mishaps when you hit the open road. The price point is the cherry on top. It’s definitely worth checking out.

MOARMOR Deer Whistles – Best Dual-Mount Whistles

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Features:

• Dimensions: 2.91 x 2.28 x 2.28 inches
• Design: Air-activated
• Whistle type: Dual mount ultrasonic and sonic whistles
• Mount type: Waterproof self-adhesion

MOARMOR is a well-known brand in the automotive accessories industry, particularly when it comes to its range of warning whistles. They certainly live up to the outstanding reputation the company has built to date.

Audibility

The first thing we tested was how audible the high-frequency sound emitted by these whistles is to wildlife. Compared to the other products we tested that didn’t make the cut, their performance was exceptional.

MOARMOR whistles emit sounds with different frequencies and intensities to scare deer away from oncoming vehicles. One whistle emits a sonic sound while the other generates ultrasonic frequencies. For maximum efficiency, you will need to mount both whistles on the front of your car or motorcycle. This double whistle sound system is remarkably effective in warding off deer.

They rely on an air-activation process to work, and the vehicle needs to be moving at speeds of 35 mph or more for the sound to be audible to wildlife.

Installation

We liked how easy and convenient the installation process was. It took about three seconds to remove the adhesive strip cover and attach it to the front bumper. It works just as well if you mount it on the grill or the back of the side rear view mirror. You don’t need any special tools to secure them onto your car, so bonus points for that.

What sets these adhesive tapes apart from some of the others we’ve encountered is their thickness. They are highly resistant to extreme temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about the adhesive coming off after driving in the hot summer sun or freezing winter cold. In addition to being heat and cold resistant, the MOARMOR whistle adhesive is also waterproof.

The main unit is detachable from the base. You can slip it off when going through a car wash or if you need to clean it. It is made from durable plastic, so it will be a long time before you’ll need to replace it.

All in all, the MOARMOR deer whistle is a solid option if you’re looking for a foolproof way of scaring off deer when driving on the open road at high speeds. Its price point is also pretty good.

How to Choose the Best Deer Whistle for Cars and Motorcycles – Buying Guide

 

Not all deer whistles are created equal. You need to buy a device that actually works. The thing about them is – they emit a high-frequency sound that’s only audible to deer and other wildlife.

Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to tell beforehand whether a specific deer warning device works the way it’s supposed to. You just have to mount it on your car, cross your fingers, and hope for the best as you drive through deer country. That’s why it’s important to only purchase deer whistles from reputable manufacturers with a proven track record of producing high-quality products.

That being said, here are a few more things to keep in mind when picking the best deer whistle for motorcycles and cars.

Material

Not to bury the lead but, all deer warning whistles are made of plastic. The question then becomes – What kind of plastic? The answer to this has a direct impact on its durability.

The three keywords to look out for when making your purchase decision are “ABS plastic,” “Premium plastic,” and “Matte surface finishing.” If you come across a product with any or a combination of those words, that’s the stamp of approval you need to know that it is built to last. It should also offer some form of water and weather resistance as well.

Frequency and Audibility

Next, you want to choose a product whose emitted sound frequency is one that deer and other wild animals can hear. Sonic and ultrasonic sound frequencies would be ideal. They should also be able to hear the sound from at least a quarter a mile away.

We recommend choosing dual-mounted whistles where one emits ultrasonic frequencies and the other, sonic. Wind whistles emit the latter.

Air-Activation Speed

This refers to the minimum speed an automobile needs to be moving at for the deer warning whistle to emit ultrasonic or sonic sound. The sweet spot is somewhere in the 30-35 mph range. As a rule of thumb, the lower the threshold, the better it is for you and the deer.

Lower activation speeds mean that the whistles will still generate enough ultrasonic sound to ward off deer without necessarily having to drive at ultra-high speeds. You’ll be able to avoid a deer collision even when driving at lower speeds that could potentially be fatal to wildlife.

Ease of Installation

Finally, you need to think about the installation process. Deer whistles come in two varieties – the stick-on kind and the screw-on kind. You want to pick something that doesn’t require a bunch of tools and equipment to install.

For this reason, the stick-on variety would be the better option to get. The adhesive should be strong enough to withstand outside extreme heat and weather conditions without stripping off paint from your automobile when you remove it.

What Are the Basic Installation Steps?

Step One: First, choose the right area for the installation of the whistle, so that it can be easily audible, removable, and mounted. Preferably, you can fix it somewhere near the grill, bumper, rear view mirror, or also on the roof.

Step Two: Make sure you have cleaned the area, where this whistle is going to be attached. As it won’t stick on any oily or rough surface, so do wipe the area in advance.

Step Three: Remove the adhesive backing base from the bottom of the whistle and stick the base on the grill, rear view mirror, or bumper.

Step Four: Double-check the balance and stability of the whistle with the horizon. Do make sure that the whistle is facing forward.

Step Five: If there are two whistles, make sure one is with the opened hole while the other one is with the closed hole. So, the whistle with the open hole will be mounted on the passenger side while the closed one will be mounted on the driver’s side.

Tip: If your car needs a wash, you can easily remove the whistle from the base.

FAQ

Do deer whistles actually work to prevent collisions?

Yes, they do. Auditory deterrents have been used for decades to avoid vehicle-animal collisions. For whistles to work, the vehicle needs to be moving at speeds of between 30 and 35 mph. They may not be as effective in preventing crashes when driving at lower speeds.

What does a deer whistle sound like?

Deer whistles, much like dog whistles, emit sound at a high frequency that only animals can hear. This sound is not audible to humans.

Do deer whistles bother dogs or not?

It is not sure whether the dogs will be bothered by the deer whistles or not. It is a doubtful situation to depict whether the sound is audible to dogs or not. However, according to research, there can be certain situations where dogs can respond to the whistles while sometimes they won’t.

Where should you mount a deer whistle on your car?

The best place to mount a deer whistle would be on the front grill of your vehicle since that’s where there’s maximum airflow. Alternatively, you could also mount it on the top or bottom part of the front bumper or the rear side view mirrors.

How do you install deer whistles?

Deer whistles can be installed easily on any plane surface of the motorcycle or the car. You just have to remove the adhesive tape from the base of the whistle and stick it to any area of the vehicle. Another method to install the deer whistle is to insert the screws of the whistle on its base to tighten the grip.

Final Thoughts

Deer whistles are a must-have when driving in an area that’s notorious for its heavy deer population. Any of the products we’ve reviewed in this guide would be an excellent option to consider. Install a whistle and save a deer.

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