Whitetail Deer
Introduction
Welcome to the fascinating world of whitetail deer. My mission is to provide valuable insights and educational resources to deepen understanding and appreciation of the significance and natural beauty of these remarkable animals
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.
hISTORY
I am based in Missouri, and while I have a broad understanding of whitetail deer across North America, the majority of my experience comes from my time here in Missouri. I will present this information in a timeline format.
Lets begin before Missouri was a state , Before Lewis and Clark .Pre 1800s
It is suggested that whitetail deer numbers were about 1 million plus . But due to heavy market hunting number plummeted through the 1800s.
1890 census found deer were gone from northern and western Missouri.
1900 census found no deer in Missouri. The Lacy Act was put into effect to stop the traffic of wild game.
1925 census found 395 deer covering 23 counties
1934 census found 2240 deer covering 28 counties around state refuges
1941 hunting permits are$2.00
1944 deer population was estimated around 15.000 state wide.
1950 deer population was 122.142
1955 deer numbers 211,427 Archery and Rifle tag are $5.00
1958 only one hunter may take one deer during this year . Muzzleloader and pistols mentioned to hunt deer
1960 deer numbers 300,712 Still only one deer per hunter Tag is $5.25
1965 deer numbers 389,997
1970 deer numbers 479,139 deer tag $7.50
1975 deer numbers 568,567
1980 deer numbers 657,852 tag is $ 7.50
1982 Rifle deer season set for first Saturday nearest November 15
1985 deer numbers 747,137
1988 first muzzle-loader season permit is $8.00
1990 deer numbers 836,422 deer tag $10.00
1995 deer numbers 925,707
1998 deer tag $11.00 any deer $11.00
1999 archery deer season set oct1 -jan 15
2000 deer numbers 900,000 deer tag $15.00
2001 first youth season mentioned
2003 Urban and antlerless deer season mentioned
2004 4 point restriction on bucks
2005 deer numbers 1,0 million
2009 deer numbers 1.2 million
2010 deer can be hunted with atlatls
2015 deer numbers 1.3million
2016 crossbows legal to hunt deer
2021 deer numbers 1.4 million
Whitetail biology
Everything we look at here is important to understanding the Whitetail But i have to say that this portion is probably the most eye opening to how incredible this animal really is to me.
Lets get started on the ground level and work up.
The hooves
As you probably already know deer have split hooves. The functionality of this type of foot is for excellent traction on rocks snow and soils. They are good for quick turning and maneuverability . They are able to support the deer on jumping heights between 8-9 feet and support the animal with landings proceeding into quick sprints away from predators. These special hooves will also allow the Deer to run up to 40 miles per hour.
The hoof is made up of mostly Keritain . This material helps to make the hooves stronger than bone but flexible to support the deers weight . In between the hooves there are scent glands that are called interdigitable scent glands which release scent with every step .
The Eyes
The eyes of the deer have a field of view of about 310 degrees leaving a small blind spot behind the ears. whitetail may have a 20/100 type vision.
The eye is designed so the deer can see in little or no light approx about 50 to 60 times better than humans . This is due to the horizontal position of the pupal and the reflective film in the back of the eye.
Deer can see color but are color blind to certain colors like red
The ears
The ears are large and cupped to amplify noise it is supported by heavy cartledge they are covered with fur . The ears can be rotated to locate noise Deer are able to hear with in the range of 30 kilohertz.
Humans can hear in the range of 20 kilohertz to give an idea .
The nose
The Deers sense of smell is its best sense for there survival i think . The Deer nose has between 700-800 times more scent receptors than the human nose .
The Deer can detect danger up to 100 yards or more away.
Deer are able to detect human scent days after the human has left .
A Deers Olfactory is about 297 million were a dog maybe 220 million olfactors
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The Mouth
The tongue has around 20.000 taste buds . Possibly the extra taste buds may help them to safely id toxic plants.
The front of the mouth has lower teeth and the upper is a bony plate .
The rear of the mouth will have upper and lower molars on both sides.
Inside the mouth there is a Vomernasel organ or a jacobson organ . This helps to Pheromones from other deer.
Deer are aged by the wear on there molars and can at times grow canines in some deer.
The Antlers
HUNTING
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DAMAGE CONTROL
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DISEASE
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OTHER WILDLIFE
- Small rodents
- Coyote
- Bobcat
- Deer
- Small mammals
- Beaver
- Bear
- Small rodents
- Coyote
- Bobcat
- Deer
- Small mammals
- Beaver
- Bear
- Small rodents
- Coyote
- Bobcat
- Deer
- Small mammals
- Beaver
- Bear
- Small rodents
- Coyote
- Bobcat
- Deer
- Small mammals
- Beaver
- Bear