White tail deer: animal facts

The whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus), so named for it’s signature tail, the underside of which is white and often the only part of the deer one will see as it turns away to run, tail held up in the process. More and more though, deer are becoming immune to peoples encroachment, and while not only do they not run in fear, but will come right up into our yards and gardens looking for some choice morsel of food. Native in North America from Canada to Texas, and everywhere in between, having survived through numerous obstacles, including humans and their ever spreading cities, on what was their native lands. The whitetail, at one time the occupier of only rural areas, now lives among us in our suburbs and even our cities. They range from just a few in an area, to overly abundant populations. Many times this can vary in the same area from year to year depending on weather and other conditions. They are so abundant and popular that many states even list the whitetail deer as their state mammal.

The whitetail deer does have predators and other natural number keepers, which help keep their population somewhat in control. This includes man, both through hunting and the ever increasing vehicle-deer accident, wolves, bobcats and mountain lions, diseases and parasites, other deer through fights, and the weather which can result in freezing and starvation of whole herds.

Fawns are typically born in early spring, but in some areas that are colder, many are not born until late spring. Colored similar to their mother, ranging from a light tan to a deep red, the fawns also are spotted, helping them blend in to their background, providing a natural camouflage from predators, until they are four or five months old. While rare, pure white, or albino, is also a color possibility, as are spotted deer, similar in coloration to paint horses. As yearlings, it is common for them to weigh over one hundred pounds, and matured adult bucks can weigh well over 350lbs. Does can be quit large also, but usually are noticeably smaller than bucks in their area.

Bucks' antlers appear in the early spring, first covered in velvet, which during the fall the buck will rub completely off. While it is not common, does can also sport a ‘rack’ of horns. Antlers are classified as either typical or non-typical. Typical is a rack that is of proportion on each side, while a non-typical rack can include numerous variations, including points aiming down, numerous point on one side, and only a few on the other. One buck I saw, while very uncommon, had so much antler material atop his head he appeared to be covered in a giant web. Diet and health of the animal often determine antler growth, and while age is a factor, it is not a sure sign. Young bucks may sport huge racks; older bucks may be no bigger than a fork horn. Usually though, a more mature buck, especially in an area offering a good diet, will have a larger rack than a young buck in the same area.

The whitetail deer have a ‘language’ unique to themselves, consisting of several distinct body movements. Flicking of tails, ear movement, curling of their lips, (this especially noticed in bucks during rut), and foot stomping are all signs of impending actions. Tail waving is often used to warn other deer of potential danger. Stomping feet is both a way they warn other deer of danger, and also to warn off unwanted deer to an area the deer considers his own. Bucks also will create rubs, or scrapes, both in removing the velvet covering of their horns, and in marking their territory.

The hunting of the whitetail deer is a holiday of sorts in many areas of the United States and Canada. Men and women look forward to their annual trek to deer camp. Millions of dollars are spent yearly on hunting supplies and accessories, such as bow and arrows, rifles, tree stands, motels, and gasoline, making hunting an important part of the tourism dollar in communities across Canada and the United States. Hunting also helps keep the deer population under control, cutting down on the spread of diseases, such as Lymes Disease, which is spread by the tiny deer tick, and vehicle-car accidents. An area where hunting has been banned has often lead to an overpopulation of this animal. In many areas, methods such as live trapping and releasing elsewhere, and special controlled hunts, have become necessary in areas that the bans were in effect, as overpopulation of this very adaptable animal was the result of the ban.

Venison, deer meat, is high in protein, yet roughly half the fat when compared to a similar cut of beef. As with beef, venison can be used in almost any recipe calling for beef. Keep in mind the low fat content though, and if you are lucky enough to have venison on your table, make accommodations for this so that recipes are not too dry.

The next time you take a drive in the country, or even a walk in your city park, and you see that telltale white ‘flag’ retreating across the field or into a stand of bushes, know that you have not seen the last of this beautiful animal. As sure as we are to be around for thousands of years to come, so will the whitetail deer.