Welcome to a new mini-series brought to you by The New Hunter. Every Wednesday, I'll share a quick breakdown of strategies, techniques, tips, and tricks to help you bag your next whitetail deer, whether it's the trophy of a lifetime or your very first deer. I'm thrilled to share the knowledge I've accumulated over the years to assist you in your pursuit of America's most abundant big game animal.
In This Segment
To build a comprehensive understanding of whitetail deer, we'll start with an intro to whitetail. In this segment, we'll cover everything you need to know about these fascinating creatures – where they live, what they need to survive, where they rest, feed, and drink – all the intricacies that make whitetail deer truly unique.
Where to Find Whitetail
To comprehend the species, it's essential to know where they call home. Whitetail deer are the most prevalent big game animals in North America, with a population estimated at around 30 million. They can be found in every single state in the lower 48 and several Canadian provinces, extending into parts of South America. They've adapted remarkably well to various environments, from the arid landscapes of southern Arizona and Mexico to the vast forests of Canada.
Habitat
Their adaptability is their secret weapon. Whitetail deer have conquered the challenges of urbanization and climate change. They thrive in diverse ecosystems, making it challenging to pinpoint their ideal habitat. However, you can break it down into three fundamental categories: Food, Shelter, and Water.
Food
Food is a top priority for deer throughout the year. They'll always be near a food source. Whether you're hunting in the vicinity of agricultural fields or the wilderness, food is the key to finding deer. In areas with crops, deer will devour anything that's edible. If you're in the woods, acorns are a prime attraction. These nuts, the fruit of oak trees, are a favorite of whitetail deer. With around 90 species of oak trees native to the US, acorns are abundant and coincide with nearly all whitetail hunting seasons.
In areas where acorns aren't prevalent, deer will consume a variety of forbs, mast, woody browse, and grasses, depending on their location and what's available.
Shelter
Whitetail deer are crepuscular, meaning they're most active during sunrise and sunset. When they're not active, they seek secure resting places in tall grass or dense underbrush. The more challenging it is for humans to access, the more likely it is to serve as deer bedding habitat. They must feel safe since their primary concern is survival.
Deer are also creatures of "edge habitat," preferring the boundaries between different environments. They use the cover, wind, thermals, and sight to evade predators and establish escape routes.
Water
Like all living creatures, deer need water. They often bed near water, feed near water, and move near water sources. Finding trails or pinch points around water sources is an effective way to locate deer. Deer aren't picky about water sources; they can use anything from flowing rivers to small puddles in the middle of a muddy road.
Using this Information
Finding huntable deer can be challenging for newcomers and seasoned hunters alike due to ever-changing landscapes. However, if you locate these essentials – food, shelter, and water – you're likely to find deer, including those elusive big bucks, come hunting season. I'm excited to delve deeper into deer habits and patterns in upcoming segments to help you become a successful hunter and pass on this great tradition.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you each week!
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