I've driven ~ 1.8 Million miles mostly for work over the last 24 years with jobs traveling ND, SD, MN, as well as MT, IA, NE, WY at different times also. I've hit 1 deer in all those miles and had there been another 6-8" worth of shoulder I'd have missed him. Ironically I wasn't traveling for work, but, headed W to MT on Hwy 2 for a deer hunt.
As to actually bonking (or trying not to bonk) an animal with a vehicle:
Most often it's not the deer you can see, it's the one following it that's a problem. When you see one, do what you need to do to safely avoid it if you can, but, also start looking for the one that's following.
High Beams, use them, pay attention to other drivers so you don't blind them, but, that multiple flashing they're giving you is probably a warning that there's something to pay attention to ahead. Using those high beams and paying attention to other drivers so as not to blind them will also keep your attention focused on the road and ditches.
Dim your interior lights as low as they'll go. It'll greatly improve your night vision.
Put your phone down and leave it down.
Take your earbuds out and never put them in behind the wheel again. You'll never hear anything your vehicle is telling you, you lose spatial awareness, and it's illegal.
