WHITETAIL DEER CHARACTERISTICS A lesson in the Large Mammals Curriculum
Transcript
Slide 1
W HITETAIL D EER C HARACTERISTICS A lesson in the Large Mammals
Curriculum
Slide 2
L EARNING O BJECTIVES Describe physical characteristics of the
white-tailed deer. Explain the reproductive process and breeding
behavior of white-tailed deer. Describe communication behavior of
white-tailed deer. List the steps and demonstrate scoring
white-tailed deer antlers. Demonstrate aging techniques of white-
tailed deer.
Slide 3
P ROBLEM S TATEMENT What are the characteristics of
white-tailed deer?
Slide 4
W HAT ARE THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WHITE TAILED DEER ?
Size 3 feet tall at the withers 5-6 feet in length Adult females
weigh 150 pounds Adult males often weigh over 150 pounds Newborn
fawns weigh 4-8 pounds Weight depends on region, habitat, age, and
season.
Slide 5
D EER IN M INNESOTA Larger than deer in southern states Larger
body frame to hold more muscling and fat reserve to survive the
winter Antler size is similar Breeding season is shorter in
Minnesota. Fawns need to be born early enough to survive the
winter. Less change in daylight in southern states. Hormone change
jump starts the breeding season
Slide 6
D EER USE S PEED & A GILITY TO OUTRUN PREDATORS Can run as
fast as 35 miles per hour Can leap 30 feet in a single bound Leap
up to 10 feet high
Slide 7
D EER S IZE E STIMATION C HART In November, 1926, Carl Lenander
Jr. dropped a monstrous Minnesota buck with a single shot. The
field- dressed deer weighed 402 pounds. Conservation Department
officials estimated its live weight at 511 pounds. No heavier
white-tailed deer has ever been recorded.
Slide 8
P ELAGE AND COLOR Fall/Winter pelage- thick, grayish in color,
short under fur with long guard hairs. Shed in April-June. Summer
pelage- short thin, reddish in color. Shed August-September Fawn
pelage- spotted for protection. In August-September lose spots.
White markings around eyes, nose, throat, underbelly and rump. Long
white hairs under the tail White tailed deer.
Slide 9
W HITETAIL D EER P ELT C OLORS Winter Pelt Summer/Fawn
Pelt
Slide 10
W HITE - TAILED DEER HAVE TWO DIFFERENT COATS OF HAIR DURING
THE YEAR. The gray winter coat is comprised of longer guard hairs
(create air pockets) and a soft wooly underfur that provide
insulation from the cold. This thicker winter coat is shed prior to
the hot summer months. This shorter summer coat is reddish-brown
and lacks the thick insulating underfur. The summer coat hairs are
short and wiry.
Slide 11
G LANDS Preorbital gland- lower corner of eye, scent markings
on rubs. Forehead- below antler base, scent marking on rubs. Tarsal
gland- inner hock on rear legs. Scent markings on scrapes.
Metatarsal gland- outer rear legs scent marking on bedded area,
sense vibrations. Interdigital glands- between toes, scent marking
trails.
Slide 12
G LAND L OCATIONS 1: Tarsal Gland 2: Metatarsal Gland 3:
Preputial Gland 4: Interdigital Gland 5: Nasal Gland 6: Preorbital
Gland 7: Forehead Gland For more about glands:
http://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/
hunting/2009/11/how-whitetail-glands- work
Slide 13
S ENSES Vision Monocular Binocular Motion detection acute
Peripheral vision Very good night vision Color blind Rarely look
up
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M ONOCULAR D EER V ISION Monocular and binocular vision each
serve a unique purpose. The difference between the two is the
ability to judge distances or have depth perception Monocular
vision exists in animals with eyes on opposite sides of the head,
which prevents the two eyes from ever having a common focal point.
It also exists in animals who may have formerly had binocular
vision, but have lost vision in one eye.
Slide 15
B INOCULAR V ISION In binocular vision, two eyes work together
to focus on a single point. The brain then processes that
information to determine depth or distance to that point. Most
predators have binocular vision
Slide 16
V ISION OF THE W HITE - TAIL While deer cannot see directly
behind, they can see within about a 310 degree arc. Deer can see in
three dimension, or binocular vision, in about a 50 degree arc in
front of their face.
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D EER S T APETUM For More on Vision:
http://www.bowhunting.net/artman/pu blish/ATSKO_-
_Scent_Control_104/Through_the_E yes_of_a_Whitetail_printer.shtml
Tapetum: Box of MirrorsBlack and White TV
Slide 18
T APETUM LUCIDUM A shiny, blue-green colored membrane attached
to the deer retina which enhances their vision in low light.
Reflections from the tapetum are responsible for the eyeshine we
see when a bright light is shone on a deer at night.
Slide 19
S ENSES Smell Most developed sense and is critical for survival
Warning, breeding activity, food & family group location.
Hearing Acute hearing Antenna like ears Investigate sounds Adapt to
sounds Taste Similar to humans Touch Critical to fawn survival
Stimulates doe receptivity
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SENSE RANK Smell Hearing Sight Taste Touch For more
information: http://ezinear ticles.com/? Whitetail- Deer-Senses-
--What-You- Need-to- Know-When- Hunting&id= 3721414 Deer
Senses
Slide 21
5. S KELETAL S YSTEM Prey animal adapted for running Gait is a
mix of leaping and long strides Efficient runner and swimmer
Slide 22
Slide 23
A NTLERS Fastest growing tissue in the animal kingdom. True
bone, grow directly from skull Velvet aids in growth: Growth period
May-August Velvet antlers sensitive
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Antler size depends on genetics, nutrition and age. Antler
growth dependent on male hormone Antler hardens and velvet sheds in
August Decrease hormone level after rut triggers antlers to cast
off
Slide 25
S TAGES OF A NTLER D EVELOPMENT
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A NTLER D EVELOPMENT C ALENDAR
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T YPICAL A NTLERS Typical Antlers
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N ON -T YPICAL A NTLERS The presence of drop tines and other
tines not found on the main beam Created by injury, age or genetics
http://www.whitetailstewards.com/articleso
nsite/deerbiology/antlergrowthandphysiolo gy.htm For More
Information of Antlers, go to:
Slide 30
A NTLER S CORING Boone and Crocket scoring system for big game
animals Pope and Young - scoring system for big game taken with a
bow and arrow Both systems use symmetry, antler spread, diameter
and length of beams and number and length of tines for scoring
antlers
Slide 31
A NTLER S CORING Boone and Crocket Score Sheets & Process:
http://www.boone-
crockett.org/bgrecords/ScoringYourTrophy.asp?area=bgrecord
s&ID=416327E9 Pope and Young Minimum Scoring Charts:
http://www.pope-young.org/minimum-scores_charts.asp
Slide 32
7. T EETH a) No upper front teeth b) 32 teeth c) Used to
determine age d) Average lifespan 2-3 yrs. Bucks, 4-6 yrs
does.
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D EER A GING Six Months 1 Years
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D EER A GING For more about deer aging:
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov /resource/mammals/deert eth/ages.htm 2
Years3 Years
Slide 35
8. D IGESTIVE S YSTEM a) Ruminants b) 4 chambered stomach 1.
rumen 2. reticulum 3. omasum 4. abomasum c) Deer droppings 1.
estimate age 2. locate bedding, feeding and trail areas 3.
population census 4. stand location 5. current activity
Slide 36
I NTERNAL A NATOMY
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R UMINANT D IGESTIVE S YSTEM Four compartment stomach allows
the deer to gorge themselves and then lay down during poor
weather
Slide 38
F AVORITE FOODS White-tails are primarily browsers Prefer field
crops such as alfalfa, clover, corn and soybeans Eat tree buds and
leaves, especially in winter when the feed on tender shoots and
twigs. Acorns and apples when available
Slide 39
D OPE ON D EER D ROPPINGS Round, individual droppings incate
deer have been eating browse such as leaves, twigs, and acorns.
Lumpy droppings indicate softer to digest; grasses, clover,
alfalfa, apples, and other forbs. Studies have proven that deer pay
attention to droppings made by carnivores such as wolves, coyotes,
and humans. They are somewhat attentive to the droppings of
omnivores and pay no attention to those from herbivores.
http://bowsite.com/bowsite/features/armch
air_biologist/poop/index.htm
Slide 40
K.Q. #2: W HAT IS THE REPRODUCTIVE PROCESS OF THE WHITE TAILED
DEER ? 1. Correlated to four seasons a) Summer 1. family groups of
does and fawns 2. bachelor group of bucks 3. dominance established
during summer nonviolently
Slide 41
B. F ALL 1. Bachelor groups break up 2. Three distinct phases
a. Pre-rut b. Rut c. Post-rut
http://www.huntingnet.com/staticpages/stati
cpage_detail.aspx?id=56
Slide 42
P RE - RUT 1. antlers harden, shed velvet 2. bucks make rubs 3.
sparring matches 4. bucks eat less, spend time alone 5. does
continue to feed 6. does ward off bucks
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P RE -R UT
Slide 44
R UT 1. Minnesota rut is mid October-December 2. Triggered by
photoperiodism 3. Bucks neck enlarges 4. Buck makes scrapes 5. Buck
very aggressive 6. Sparring more aggressive 7. Doe indicates
receptivity 8. Several days of courting 9. Doe in estrous for 24-36
hrs every 28 days
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R UT
Slide 46
P OST -R UT 1. Bucks hormone level decreases 2. Buck begin to
eat heavy 3. Antlers cast off
Slide 47
C ) W INTER Breeding activity ends Gestation is 187-212 days
Deer regroup and yard up Increased mortality occurs
Slide 48
A DVANTAGES OF YARDING UP Conserve energy Conserve heat Safety
in numbers against predators Dog that chase deer are harmful as the
deer burn up energy reserves they need to survive in winter.
Slide 49
D ) S PRING 1. antler growth begins 2. fawns born may-june 3.
doe seeks solitude 4. twins/triplets in high quality habitat 5.
after birth doe quickly cleans fawn 6. spring fawn mortality is
high
Slide 50
K.Q. #3: W HAT TYPE OF COMMUNICATION DO WHITE TAILED DEER USE ?
Any talk between deer probably involves more than one type of
communication. For example, an alarmed deer may stamp its foot
(visual), snort (vocal), and release scent from its feet
(chemical). There are three main communication tools 1. Body
Language (visual communication) 2. Voices of the Deer (vocal
communication) 3. Common Scents (chemical communication).
Slide 51
B ODY L ANGUAGE T HESE SUBTLE SIGNALS HELP TO ORGANIZE A DEER
GROUP AND PROTECT IT FROM DANGER Foot stamp Click here to check out
Click here to check out The deer will lift its forefoot very slowly
and gracefully, pause a second, and then stamp downward with great
force. It will do this repeatedly when disturbed. Foot stamp is
used when a deer is alarmed but cannot identify the object of its
suspicion. While stamping, the deer will use its nose, ears, and
eyes to try to identify the source of alarm. It is often followed
by a snort. The stamp is telling other deer that potential danger
is nearby. The sound can be heard over short distances; the
vibrations can be felt over greater distances. The stamp also urges
a potential predator to move or reveal itself and releases scent
from the interdigital gland.
Slide 52
B ODY L ANGUAGE Tail movements communicate the mood and danger
level of the deer to the herd. Tail Flag (flicking)-The tail is
held up and wagged loosely from side to side exposing the white
underside and rump patch. Tail flag is used when running from
danger, real or imagined. Tail Flare-The tail is flashed and
sometimes the white hairs on the rump are flared out. A deer with
flared tail and laid back ears is split seconds away from
bolting.
Slide 53
B ODY L ANGUAGE Tail Flat-The tail is pressed down so that only
the brown hairs are visible. Tail flat is used when a whitetail is
hiding or when it is greatly alarmed at close range. It is also
used when danger is detected at great distance and there is a
chance to escape undetected. All clear-When a deer wags its tail
once, in a casual, side-to-side tail flick, it often is an all
clear signal. It shows that the deer has decided everything is
okay
Slide 54
V OICES OF THE D EER V OCAL COMMUNICATION Vocal communication
is not as common among whitetails as visual and chemical
communication, but the information is just as important. Main vocal
communications Blow or snort Bawl or bleat Grunt-snort
Slide 55
B LOW OR SNORT Click here for a snort The deer forcibly expels
air through its nostrils like a greatly magnified sneeze. The deer
blows when it detects danger at a distance. These blows are drawn-
out whooshes repeated several times. Snorts are single, very short,
explosive sounds given as the deer turns to run. Used to warn all
deer that something is radically wrong, helps the deer sniff the
air better, and may startle a predator into revealing its location
or leaving the area.
Slide 56
B AWL OR BLEAT This sound is very similar to a calfs bawl and
is used by deer in big trouble. Fawns call their mother by bleating
if they are attacked by predators. The pitch of the sound decreases
as the deer grows older Fawn Bleat Doe Bleat Bawl
Slide 57
C OMMON S CENTS ( CHEMICAL COMMUNICATION ) Forest-dwelling
animals rely less on sight and sound and more on scent. Scent
travels farther and lasts longer. A whitetails sense of smell is
many times greater than ours.
Slide 58
C OMMON S CENTS Walking- Deer mark their trail every step they
take with scent from the interdigital glands on each foot. Used to
locate deer. Tarsal flaring-Scent is released by flaring the tarsal
hairs into a rosette. Tells an individuals identity, dominance
position, physical condition, and reproductive status from the odor
of this gland.
Slide 59
C OMMON S CENTS Licking-Bucks communicate with one another by
repeatedly marking the same branches. Marking involves mouthing the
branch and sometimes rubbing it with the forehead or preorbital
glands. At the same time, bucks smell and taste marks left by other
bucks. Licking may communicate information about social status and
promote social bonding. Buck licking a branch and freshening a
scrape
Slide 60
C OMMON S CENTS Urine and feces- Deer urinate and defecate
frequently. Deer can probably read the age and sex of other deer
from their urine. Used to locate feedings areas.
Slide 61
C OMMON S CENTS Rubs and thrashings -Making a rub or thrashing
antlers against branches is actually a behavior, but the marks and
scents leave a chemical message for other deer. Click here for a
deer rub
Slide 62
C OMMON S CENTS Scrapes-The buck paws at the ground creating an
oblong area about 1-4 feet in length. It then rub-urinates in the
scrape leaving a calling card for other bucks and reinforcing his
social rank. He often licks and rubs his forehead on an overhanging
branch. Does in estrous sometimes rub-urinate in scrapes, leaving
messages for the buck that they are ready to mate. Click here for a
Buck making a scrape
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D EER H UNTING
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G OOD S HOT The best shot angle. Vital area is exposed, and a
broadside shot offers the shortest distance through the chest
cavity. Aim straight up from the back side of thef ront leg,
halfway between the bottom of the chest and the back.
Slide 66
B ROADSIDE SHOT WITH GUN Bullet: A broadside Deer offers
several excellent shots for the firearm hunter. The best target is
the chest area. Find the best aiming point on a deer by picking a
spot one third to halfway up the side of the animal and just behind
the front shoulder. A bullet enter the lungs or heart will provide
a good blood trail and a quick harvest. A head or neck shot will
drop an animal instantly with little or no meat damage, but should
only be used if you are proficient enough with your firearm.
Slide 67
B ROADSIDE WITH B OW AND A RROW A broadside deer represents the
best bow shot because it requires the least amount of penetration
to reach the vital organs. The best target is the chest area.The
broadside shot is also the best angle for accomplishing a double
lung hit, resulting in the collapse of both lungs. Find the best
aiming point on a deer by picking a spot one third to halfway up
the side of the animal and just behind the front shoulder. This
will put an arrow in the center of the vital area by enabling you
to pick a spot rather than shooting at the whole animal. An arrow
will penetrate the ribs, but be careful to avoid the shoulder bone.
Wait until the near leg is forward and concentrate on a spot behind
the shoulder. Avoid head and neck shots when bow hunting. Wait for
the chest shot behind the front shoulder.
Slide 68
Q UARTERING A WAY Bullet: The quartering away angle is a fine
shot for the firearm hunter. Aim behind the front shoulder for an
effective hit. The bullet will pass through both lungs and possibly
the heart and into the far shoulder. Arrow: The quartering away
angle is a fine shot for the bow hunter. Aim at the chest area just
behind the front shoulder. The arrow should pass through both
lungs.
Slide 69
Q UARTERING T OWARD S HOT Bullet: The quartering toward angle
is fine for the firearm hunter. Aim at the head, neck or center of
the chest for an effective hit. Be aware of where your bullet will
end up. If you shoot a deer in or behind the near front shoulder
the bullet will likely pass through the stomach and intestines (gut
shot) and into the hind quarters. Always avoid the "gut shot",
because the contents of the stomach and intestines will taint the
taste of the meat. Arrow: This is one of the poorest bow shots and
should be avoided. Heavy shoulder bones shield the majority of the
vital organs from penetration by arrow. Wait for the animal to pass
by and take a broadside or quartering away shot.
Slide 70
H EAD ON S HOT Bullet: This is a fair shot for a skilled
marksman. The head and neck are your only clean shots. The center
of the chest should be avoided, because it would result in the "gut
shot" Arrow: This is a very poor shot for the bow hunter. The vital
area is the chest between the shoulders, which is an extremely
small target. Wait for a better shot.
Slide 71
R EAR END SHOT Bullet: The rear end shot is a poor shot for the
firearm hunter. A shot to the body at this angle will probably ruin
the best cuts of meat and will result in a "gut shot" (described
above). A head or neck shot is possible if the animal has its head
up. Wait for a better shot. Arrow: This is a shot all responsible
bow hunters will pass up. The hindquarters have very heavy muscle
tissue and heavy bone structure which makes it very difficult for
an arrow to get up front to the vital organs.
Slide 72
G UT S HOT If you know you have a Gut Shot deer, let it lay
down for at least an hour before searching for it. Green slime left
from wound would indicate a gut shot A gut shot deer will often
hunch its back and walk away slowly
Slide 73
T EACHER /S TUDENT R ESOURCE P AGE Winter Severity Index:
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly/Article_Lookup.asp?id=1661http://dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly/Article_Lookup.asp?id=1661
Food Plot Design:
http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-194.pdfhttp://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-194.pdf
Deer Anatomy & Shot Placement:
http://www.inberg.ca/hunting_essentials/deer_anatomy_&_shot_placement.htm
http://www.inberg.ca/hunting_essentials/deer_anatomy_&_shot_placement.htm
Dont do this Deer Hunting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TamkWAIPwwhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TamkWAIPww
Dont do this while Deer Hunting either:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNGGbozilko&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNGGbozilko&feature=related Buck
Fight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1atb07nlE2Ihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1atb07nlE2I
Use of Attractants and Cover Scents:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Whitetail-Cover-And-
Attractant-Scents&id=6622460http://ezinearticles.com/?Whitetail-Cover-And-
Attractant-Scents&id=6622460 Rattling Techniques:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AAgiE_o6owhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AAgiE_o6ow
Minnesota Deer Hunters Association:
http://www.mndeerhunters.com/http://www.mndeerhunters.com/ Great
Source of Short Topics on Deer:
http://www.shenandoahviews.com/Whitetails/http://www.shenandoahviews.com/Whitetails/
Jaw bone aging
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaVjWsmkRgAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaVjWsmkRgA
Antler Scoring
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqK9KBJ1B7ohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqK9KBJ1B7o
Baby Deer Fawn Baby deer fawnBaby deer fawn Whitetails Unlimited
Deer PublicationsDeer Publications
Slide 74
Website addresses for more information.. Minnesota Dept. of
Natural Resources: www.mndnr.gov Minnesota Deer Hunters
Association: www.mndeerhunters.com Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture:
www.mda.state.mn.us University of Minnesota Extension:
www.extension.umn.edu Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cwd/ USDA, WS:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/cwd/ CWD
Alliance: www.cwd-info.org