DPoV - that's quite an image!
HWH - glad to hear that insurance is going to pick up the tab.
Touch wood, I've never smacked one either, and I do a fair amount of rural driving. When I see deer on the roadside or in the edge of the bush, I honk. Repeatedly. Same if I see one cross ahead of me (I assume there will be a second, third, fourth...)
If they turn to look at me, I also flash my lights. Normally, they run away.