Facts about Whitetail Deer

Here are a few facts about whitetail deer

Studying the social behavior of whitetail deer is enjoyable and an enlightening experience.  Tracking and photographing whitetail deer movements with binoculars, while listening with hearing enhancers can reveal a lot about natural deer behavior

Deer-hunting enthusiasts often study the social behavior of whitetail deer in order to gain an advantage during hunting season. These whitetail deer facts are perfect for devoted deer hunters – new or experienced - and deer lovers alike.

*A buck’s antlers begin growing in April; they grow a half an inch per day.

*Deer try to position themselves downwind to detect any approaching predators.

*A deer’s ears rotate 180° to help detect sounds.

*In the autumn, a whitetail deer’s coat changes from auburn to grey in 7-14 days. The deer grow extra insulating hairs for winter months, and the hairs are tipped in grey, giving the coat a blue-grey appearance.

*A male fawn leaves his mother to search for a mate once he reaches the age of 16 months.

*Bucks band together in small groups when are not in the rut and are in constant competition with each other.

* The dominant buck in each group stands tall, makes eye contact and postures for does and other bucks. He stands with his tail straight out from his body and hair tufts on his lower hind legs become erect.

*A deer smells the scent of a human on underbrush for several days after the person passes through the area. This causes a deer to avoid an area for weeks after detecting the scent.

*Deer are skilled swimmers. They cross a lake or stream at speeds up to 10 MPH.

*A deer spaces its strides as wide as 25 feet apart.

*When temperatures plummet, whitetail deer travel during daylight hours.

*Deer do not sleep for long periods of time, but doze at intervals so they are alert to approaching danger.

* Bucks often neglect their health during the rut. Body fat stores drop drastically. Some bucks do not survive harsh winters after losing weight during the rut.

* Does and fawns usually travel as a family unit.

*Fawns are born in May or June. They weigh between 6 and 9 pounds at birth.

*A fawn instinctively beds down with its feet, legs and head tucked near its body to camouflage its presence.

*Does prefer to give birth in thick brush and near water.

*Groups of does live in the same geographical locations and habitat from generation to generation.

*Does have some control over when they begin labor for birth.

*Fawns eat vegetation at three weeks of age and stop nursing after 10 weeks.