The Whitetail Deer

The whitetail deer is a medium-sized deer which can be found throughout the majority of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, and some of South America. The whitetail deer can be recognized by the white hair on their rear-end and tail. They use their white tail as a signal when they are frightened or threatened and run away.

Most whitetail deer have a brown coat with some white on their underside and tail. However, there are occurrences in nature of albino whitetail deer.

The male whitetail deer are known as "bucks" and the females are known as "does". The bucks will start growing antlers the first year they are born. They will grow one antler on each side of their skull, which are called "spikes". These antlers will typically fall off the next year and larger antlers will be produced. This cycle continues, making the antlers grow larger each year. Whitetail doe's don't have antlers and will never produce them.

Whitetail deer mate in the fall, when doe's go into the "rut". This time of the year makes the bucks excited and they more active. They will grunt to communicate, mark their territory, and it's not uncommon for them to fight each other with their antlers for the opportunity of mating with a doe. When the doe gives birth, they generally give birth to one to three baby deer known as "fawns".

Whitetail deer are foragers and their diet consist of a wide variety of foods. They eat whatever the terrain provides them, such as plants, leaves, grass, acorns, wheat, corn, fruits, and on meat on occasion. Most deer will get their water from a plentiful source, such as a river, creek, or lake.

Seen as inhumane by some people, it's important for the hunting community to keep the population of whitetail deer regulated. Deer cause a large number of vehicle fatalities every year, and cause millions of dollars in crop damages. Hunting helps to keep the deer population at a balanced medium.

The whitetail deer is a beautiful animal and a large part of our American history.