Odocoileus virginianus Whitetail Deer Odocoileus virginianus
Buck (♂) Antlers (not horns!) spike Size due to 1) age 2) diet 3) genetics Shed annually
Antlers … Horns … What’s the difference?! Are shed & re-grow Are made of bone Have branches or “points” Horns … Are permanent Are made of hair Have no branches or “points”
Spring/Summer Bachelor groups velvet
Fawns … Born in late May/early June Virtually scent-free Spots for camouflage “Hider” strategy
Fall The “Rut” (Oct-Dec in PA) “licking branch” scrape rub
Why must deer populations be managed?
How do we manage them?
Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency 2005 Harvest Maps