The white-tailed deer is the most widespread mammal species across North and South America. Its range extends from the remote regions of the Yukon, across the Atlantic, and, as far south as Ecuador.
Whitetails come in various sizes, however they’ve found that those living farther from the equator tend to be larger than those in the warmer regions. In North America, an average adult male typically weighs between 150 to 300 pounds, though older, mature bucks can exceed 400 pounds. Their coat changes with the seasons—reddish-brown in spring and summer, turning grey-brown in fall and winter. They are named for the distinctive white patch on the underside of their tail.
While antler growth is generally limited to males, rare cases of females growing antlers have been documented. Antlers begin growing in the spring, with most whitetails shedding and regrowing a new set each year. Their diet consists primarily of woody shoots, stems, and leaves, along with grasses, cultivated crops, nuts, berries, and wildflowers. An adult deer can consume approximately 2,000 pounds of vegetation annually.
Although the North American white-tailed deer population has declined by several million since 2000, it has remained stable and healthy as of 2017, comparable to historical levels. Effective hunting regulations and population management play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced and sustainable population of these magnificent creatures for future generations.
