The Magnificent White-Tailed Deer

The whitetail deer is one of the most beautiful and graceful big game animals that you will have the honor to see in the wild. Here in Western Pennsylvania we have the good luck to have a large population of the whitetail deer.

Since the time of the Native Americans and Settlers, the whitetail deer has been hunted for food and trophy. They are a shy and alert deer, always checking the surroundings for any sign of danger. They have a wonderful sense of smell, along with great hearing and eyesight makes them fully aware of their surroundings.

I have spent many hours of enjoyment watching these wonderful animals. I have watch some of them grow from young fawns to young adults. I have observed them in a family unit, with mothers and their fawns, sometimes one or up to three fawns. The mothers insure that each one gets some food and at times when the mother is not near, other adult does will watch over the fawns.

It is always a special time when after waiting for what seems months, the mother deer will finally bring up their new born fawns, usually somewhere around a month after they are born. They are so cute, with their shaky legs and their spots. Kids will be kids, and baby deer are no different, they will play, chasing each other and romping around their mothers. They always stay near their mothers and do not roam far until they are older.

The whitetail deer, at least the ones I observe feed about the same time every day. My deer "friend" usually will show up around 4-6 p.m. for the daily portion of feed. They remind me of when cows come into the barn for feed, with their ears up and a look of anticipation on their face. It is really something to see when a group of deer comes trotting up to see if it's feeding time.

I have found that within the family unit, anywhere from 8 to 14, there is a pecking order. The dominant ones will take their front hoof and tap the shoulder of another deer as if to say "wait your turn". After the younger ones eat, they will sometimes play. They will romp around, shaking their heads, rising up on their hind legs like they were going to fight. At times they chase each other, running as fast as they can back and forth across the field, just like a dog will run around the house as fast as it can go.

The Whitetail Deer is Pennsylvania's official state animal. As stated in the Pennsylvania Code 1007, State Animal "The whitetail deer is an animal that is found in abundance in the wooded areas of our Commonwealth and has played an integral part in solving the problem of survival of our early settlers and Indian population. The "whitetail", as it is affectionately referred to, is a proud and noble animal possessing intelligence, endurance and character. Therefore, the "whitetail deer" is selected, designated and adopted as the official State animal of this Commonwealth".[1]

It is called whitetail deer because it has white fur on the underside of its tail. They wave the tails from side to side when startled and when they run raise it showing the white, therefore name "whitetail". I have watched young button bucks from year to year and it is always fun to watch what kind of rack (antlers) they will have as they get older. In the group that I watch, there were before this year's hunting season, two mature 8 points, and younger 4 to 6 points. I am sorry to say that since hunting season has ended, only a couple of the younger bucks have been around.

It is interesting to watch the interaction between members of the group. Sometimes all will be fine, they all will eat together, other times, maybe the buck will decide he wants to eat alone and will chase the does away. What causes this behavior, after the rut is over, I cannot say. During the rut I have seen two bucks go at it, clashing and locking antlers until one of the retreats. This behavior is why it is call the "rutting season"; the bucks are preoccupied with mating and will battle over a female affection.

Deer season here in Pennsylvania is a big deal, with thousands of hunters taking to the woods with dreams of bagging the "monster whitetail". Hunting is a major revenue for the state and local retailers bring in profit for hunting license, different tags, equipment, guns and ammo. In my younger days I was a hunter and remember the thrill of opening day, and I also had dreams of bagging that "monster whitetail", so I understand why hunters hunt.

After observing the whitetail and watching them everyday I have changed, and no longer hunt, now I use a camera and enjoy watching them live. The whitetail deer is truly a noble and proud animal that deserves our respect. Since the days of long ago they have provided food and enjoyment and will continue to do that for us and our children if we as a people do all we can to insure their survival.

[1] SHG Resources, State Handbook & Guide