Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 550; Flight Crew Type 300
Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Declared Emergency
Environment - Non Weather Related
Upon take off roll the plane was at 70 mph. I had added 10 mph to rotation speed to account for gusty right crosswinds. 4-5 deer ran directly in front of the airplane. I rotated and was able to climb over the deer. There was an audible thump but no physical sensation of impact.I reported to approach upon initial contact with them that we had experienced a deer strike with the landing gear but that we did not suspect significant damage. The airplane was flying without any difficulty. There was no indication of a prop strike. I elected to continue the planned flight to [destination]. [Destination] was the nearest airport with emergency services available on the field. N79 is unattended at the hour of this incident. Approach; Center and [Destination] tower coordinated my request and rescue vehicles were present at the end of the flight. I landed the plane without incident. A mechanic evaluated the landing gear and found no damage. A tuft of deer hair was wedged into the wheel pant.
Small aircraft pilot reported hitting a deer on takeoff at N79.