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All About The Whitetail Deer
Whitetail deer are popular trophies for hunters in states all across America where their populations thrive. In fact, whitetails can be found in all but five states in the union and adapt to just about any kind of habitat they may find themselves in. Here's a little bit more about this beautiful animal, its unique appearance, and the places where it makes its home on the range.
The most striking feature of the whitetail is the one from which it gets its name. Unlike its close cousin the mule deer, the underside of this deer's tail is snowy white. When the animal is alarmed and feels danger, it will stick the tail straight up exposing the whiteness. It is considered to be a medium-sized deer, with bucks weighing between 150 and 300 pounds, though record-setting animals weighing much more can be found in the northern states as well as Canada. The further south the animal lives, the smaller it becomes. Whitetails in Central America may weigh half as much as their northern counterparts.
Whitetails are very hardy and live just as happily on the grassy plains as it does in the forest. There are no whitetail populations at all in Nevada, California, Hawaii, Alaska, or Utah, but the largest herds are found in Idaho. They are considered endangered in certain areas of the Pacific Northwest due to habitat encroachment by people, where their numbers have been significantly reduced over the last century. Whitetail herds thrive in the lush forests of northwestern Missouri and other places in the Midwest, where they are popular game for hunters.
The whitetail is such an important part of America's fauna that it is the state animal for ten states: Wisconsin, Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, South Carolina, and even Louisiana. Hunters in these and many other states enjoy the challenge of pursuing this magnificent mammal.
Whitetails are foraging animals who survive by eating grasses, leaves, shoots, and even cactus in some areas of the southwest. They will also help themselves to fruit from trees and make themselves a nuisance to farmers during corn harvesting time. As with all species of deer, males will compete with one another for the privilege of reproducing with females and thereby create a distinct dominance hierarchy. Their natural predators are wolves, cougars, alligators, bobcats, bears, and coyote packs.
This beautiful and noble animal has long been popular with hunters and nature lovers alike and will continue to thrive for many years to come.
About the Author Creekbottom Whitetail Outfitters (http://www.creekbottomwhitetails.com) is owned and operated by experienced whitetail enthusiasts. Strive to give each hunter the best possible opportunity to harvest a trophy whitetail. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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