Whitetail deer have thrived in the prairies, woodlands, river bottoms, mountains, deserts, and marshes of North America for thousands of years.

Since the beginning of time, they have served as a vital food source for larger predators and humans alike. However, their significance extends far beyond being a source of sustenance.

Whitetail deer play an essential role in plant diversity. While many view them as nuisances for damaging gardens and ornamental plants, in their natural habitat, they contribute to ecosystem health. They transport seeds on their fur, helping disperse plant life to new areas. As browsers, their feeding habits prune aggressive plant species, enabling less dominant plants to thrive and reproduce.

For many, deer are associated with antler records, venison sausage, and, unfortunately, flower and plant destruction. While these perspectives are valid, they overlook the deeper ecological importance of this species in its native environment.

Consider this: when deer rub bark off trees during the rut, it may help thin sapling populations during forest recovery—a process humans mimic by planting and spacing trees intentionally. Similarly, when deer scrape the soil, they create opportunities for sunlight and seeds to take hold, akin to gardeners scratching the earth to sow flower seeds.

Every animal has a purpose and plays a specific role in the natural world beyond being a food source. Whitetail deer are no exception.

Through education, we can gain a better understanding of the critical role whitetail deer play in maintaining balance in nature. Let us enjoy, respect, and strive to understand the interconnectedness of the natural world.

Historical Overview of Missouri’s Whitetail Deer Population

Pre-1800s: Before Missouri Became a State

Prior to Missouri’s statehood and the Lewis and Clark expedition, it is estimated that the whitetail deer population exceeded one million. However, due to extensive market hunting throughout the 19th century, deer numbers declined drastically.

Decline and Early Conservation Efforts

• 1890 Census: Whitetail deer were extirpated from northern and western Missouri.
• 1900 Census: No deer were reported in Missouri. The Lacey Act was enacted to regulate the trafficking of wild game.
• 1925 Census: The state recorded only 395 deer across 23 counties.
• 1934 Census: The population increased to 2,240 deer, spanning 28 counties, largely due to the establishment of state refuges.
• 1941: Hunting permits were introduced at a cost of $2.00.
• 1944: The estimated deer population reached 15,000 statewide.

Population Recovery and Regulation Changes

• 1950: Deer numbers climbed to 122,142.
• 1955: The population grew to 211,427. Archery and rifle tags were priced at $5.00.
• 1958: Regulations limited hunters to harvesting one deer per season; muzzleloaders and pistols were permitted for hunting.
• 1960: The deer population increased to 300,712. Tags were priced at $5.25, and the one-deer-per-hunter limit remained in place.
• 1965: Deer numbers reached 389,997.
• 1970: The population grew to 479,139, with deer tags costing $7.50.
• 1975: The number of deer increased to 568,567.
• 1980: The population rose to 657,852, with tags remaining at $7.50.
• 1982: Rifle deer season was officially set to begin on the first Saturday nearest November 15.
• 1985: Deer numbers reached 747,137.
• 1988: The first muzzleloader season was introduced, with permits priced at $8.00.
• 1990: The population grew to 836,422, and deer tags were priced at $10.00.
• 1995: Deer numbers reached 925,707.
• 1998: Deer tags were priced at $11.00, applicable to any deer.
• 1999: Archery deer season was set from October 1 to January 15.
• 2000: The estimated population was 900,000, with deer tags priced at $15.00.
• 2001: The first youth hunting season was introduced.
• 2003: Urban and antlerless deer hunting seasons were established.
• 2004: A four-point restriction was placed on bucks.
• 2005: Deer numbers reached approximately 1 million.
• 2009: The population increased to 1.2 million.
• 2010: The use of atlatls for deer hunting was legalized.
• 2015: Deer numbers reached 1.3 million.
• 2016: Crossbows were legalized for deer hunting.
• 2021: The estimated whitetail deer population in Missouri reached 1.4 million.

This timeline highlights the dramatic fluctuations in Missouri’s whitetail deer population over the centuries, underscoring the impact of conservation efforts and hunting regulations in restoring and maintaining healthy deer populations.

Let’s start from the ground up—literally—with the hooves.

As you probably know, deer have split hooves, which give them excellent traction on rocks, snow, and various types of terrain. Their design allows for quick turns and sharp maneuverability, helping deer navigate tricky landscapes with ease. These powerful hooves also enable deer to jump heights of 8-9 feet and land smoothly, quickly transitioning into a sprint to escape predators. In fact, whitetail deer can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

Deer hooves are primarily made of keratin, a material that makes them even stronger than bone while remaining flexible enough to support the animal’s weight. Between the hooves are interdigitally scent glands, which release scent with every step, playing a key role in communication and marking territory.

Whitetail deer hunting is a long-standing tradition that plays an important role in wildlife conservation and population management. Regulated hunting helps maintain a balanced ecosystem by preventing overpopulation, which can lead to habitat destruction and food shortages.

Good hunters follow strict guidelines to ensure sustainable practices, harvesting deer responsibly while respecting the land and the species. Beyond conservation, deer hunting also provides a deep connection to nature, requiring patience, skill, and an understanding of the animal’s behavior. Whether for sport, sustenance, or stewardship, whitetail deer hunting remains a valued part of many lives.