Man caves blamed for Vic deer car crashes

Men stealing deer warning signs for their man caves could be behind a rise in car crashes in Victoria's deer-infested east, an MP says.

Up to one million deer live in Victoria's east and highland areas but Gippsland East MP Tim Bull says deer warning signs often go missing within weeks of being put up.

"When VicRoads puts up deer signs, we've got people knocking them off. They're very popular in man caves," Mr Bull told AAP on Wednesday.

He says panel beaters are dealing with more car write-offs and deer damage as drivers - who are used to watching for kangaroos - are unaware the larger animals are out there.

Shooters groups do regular deer culls to keep them out of environmentally sensitive areas but Mr Bull says they are only getting the tip of the iceberg.

"We need to warn people, particularly with the tourist season coming up," he said.

Mr Bull wants more generic signs that will not get stolen or large gantries warning drivers they are entering high wildlife driving areas.