 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.
What do they eat? Many different foods, including
acorns, hay, corn, apples, the buds off of the apple trees, cabbage, pine,
cedar, and just about any other vegetable or green that they can get access
too. This adaptability in their food choices is one reason their terrain
is so wide spread.
 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.
~Christina VanGinkel~
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