I have yet to see a "brush guard" "grille guard" type of bumper that doesn't do more damage upon a deer hit than what would happen w/o.
There are a TON of deer in my area.
Prior to hunting season opening in the fall, I had mornings last year that I saw 100+ whitetails along the roads during my 9 mile drive to work.
Unfortunately, I have "encountered" more than I would have liked too.
Most front end guards bend and fold back along the entire width of the front end until contacting grill, lights, hood, and both fenders, damaging all when maybe only half the parts would have been plowing into the venison.
It's up to you, but I have not seen any that I think strong enough to minimize repairs. Mounting points are still what they are. Anything heavy duty enough and built, gusseted, robust, and sturdy enough to help would have to add so much weight and mass, I wouldn't want to carry it all day every day.
And...
of course my personal opinion also...
I have yet to see a Raptor wearing a chin guard/ dental dam style bumper that I wouldn't remove right away if it were mine.
Just have not seen any that don't look too big bulky and out of place.
Realize all this is just my preference, but there's my .02.
If there was something I thought would eliminate a deer hit, I would be on it.
I go the other way with bright lights and maybe "deer whistles" to see them sooner and hopefully get them out of the way.
Best of luck.
