Never had one but thought I'd consider a guard for wayward deer, etc.. So what do folks think is a good brand/model for my Tacoma? Thanks

Grille guards that go over the factory bumper are worthless, IMO..... Get a cowcatcher type bumper from Ranchhand, FabFours, ARB or the like

What he said. The old grill guards just bend back and jack up your fenders if you hit anything substantial. ARB with a Bull bar, TMJ, etc is the way to go for protection.

Even a small deer can put a good hit on a pickup. Modern bumpers are for looks. They're way too weak to stop anything. You need something bolted to the frame.

Price one that will do the job then compare that with a lower deductible on your insurance. More insurance might be cheaper in the long run.

Great comments! We had this conversation this morning - looks vs. actual protection. I'll look into the "cowcatcher" style. And check with my insurance agent.
Thanks again folks.

As said above get a real guard. We see lots of deer hits around where I live and the guards that are not heavy duty result in as much damage as not having one at all.

I would also mention that a lot of the deer hits on our gravel county roads are in the side of the front fenders so the guard does no good. The last one I hit ran into my passenger side door and front fender.

BW, I have a westin brand on my 2005 taco and I'm happy with it so far ( haven't met a deer with it though) My sons have ARB's on there rigs which are much more stout but a bunch more dough as well.

An aftermarket bumper with grille guard is much more stout than a just a grill guard, and they look better too. I installed a Road Armor with grille guard on my '11 F150 and really liked it. However, the extra weight does put some strain on the front end suspension if you don't upgrade the springs to handle the additional load. Ranch Hand and Go-Industries are the more popular heavy duty grille guards where I live. Bumper Super Store's prices are competitive and their customer service is good too.

the FabFours on my ford...

Thanks again fellas - more to consider.

I bought a westin HDX has 2 inch tubular design.Not as stout as a heavy duty cow catcher but serves my purpose.

I have a Warn with 18k winch receiver on my 07 dodge. My reasoning was to protect the radiator area. Having seen what happens to trucks that center punch a deer at highway speed. Most are loaded on flatbed tow trucks for the long drive. I may lose a fender but odds are good I can drive away from a direct hit.

Ranch Hand out of Shiner, Texas. Get the full bumper replacement.

If you put a bunch of weight up front on a Taco you’ll need new heavier springs.

So as the other guys said- replace the bumper, but also plan on replacing the springs