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Learn more about white-tailed deer. Chapter 8 – Preparation and Survival. Along with many other kinds of hoofed mammals, several exotic types of deer now reside in Texas, initially imported to private ranches for hunting purposes and to varying degrees now established in free-roaming populations. Description: The Axis Deer are sexually dimorphic, wherein the males are larger as well as heavier than their female counterparts. Axis deer were introduced in as a game meat.
TPWD: White-tailed Deer – Introducing Mammals to Young Naturalists.Game Animals — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
There are different types of deer including the reindeer, the roe deer, and the moose. But what deer live in Texas? There are 3. The knowledge gained here have increased the number and quality of deer not only in our state, but also across the country. The State of Texas has one of the largest populations of whitetails in the country: close to four million. In addition to the two native types of deer that are native to Texas, and which can usually be easily differentiated based on their physical appearance, there are several other species of deer that have been introduced into the state of Texas for hunting purposes.
In this article, we will learn more about the types of deer in Texas, as well as what makes them unique. White-tailed deer is the largest by numbers family of deer, as well as the most widely distributed and also the most ancient deer in the whole of North America, they get their common name from the white underside of their tails, which they prominently flash when alarmed, both as a show of aggressiveness, and as a warning to others in the herd- telling them of the danger.
While there is a lot of work to be done in arranging the species in a biological group, four subspecies are historically described in Texas.
Because of the protein in the brush that the deer eat, South Texas produces the largest white-tailed deer. This is especially important for mature bucks during the post-rut period, when they lose so much weight. Prickly pear is a valuable energy source for deer when they need it the most, and it grows abundantly in South Texas. The Texas deer whitetail O. The Kansas whitetail O. Carmen Mountains whitetail O. They are fewer in population and restricted in range.
The Avery Island whitetail O. Let us not forget to mention that the White-tailed deer is also the smallest member of the North American deer family and that their habitat ranges from southern Canada to South America. In summer-time when the weather is hot they typically inhabit fields and meadows where they use trees with broad-leaves for shade. Texas is home to an estimated 3. In roughly , hunters had a success rate of Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus populations are considerably lower, usually fluctuating from , to , depending on habitat conditions.
They are confined to the western portion of the state, mostly in the Trans- Pecos but with some in the Panhandle and western Edwards Plateau. In roughly 22, mule deer hunters had a Photo credit: Mark Tyson. Mule deer in West Texas. White-tailed deer and mule deer look very similar, but a few key characteristics will help you distinguish between the two.
The average body size of mule deer is usually larger than white-tailed deer; however this is not a great identification tool because you rarely have both species standing next to each other for comparison. White-tailed deer can be recognized by their white bottomed tail used as a warning flag; mule deer tails are a more cream colored with a distinct black tip.
The easiest way to identify mule deer, especially antlerless deer, is by the characteristically large ears in proportion to head size, which is where they get their name. White-tailed deer have smaller, seemingly more proportional ears. Mule deer also have characteristic black markings on their forehead and around their ears, as can be seen in the pictures above. On bucks during the breeding season the antlers are also an additional indicator.
On mule deer the antlers are usually bifurcated the tines come in forked pairs. White-tailed deer usually have all their tines coming off one main beam, and antlers are described based on total points, such as 8pt or 9pt. Antlers alone are not a great indicator of species due to variation in individuals. There are also white-tailed deer racks with forked tines that can look very similar to a mule deer rack. There are areas were people have reported mule deer with non-bifurcated racks similar to white-tailed deer or white-tailed deer herds with many bifurcated racks.
If in doubt contact a TPWD biologist for identification help. Photo credit: TPWD. In addition to a food source, these deer also love and prefer certain trees for shelter and habitat. When considering your land to use for Texas hunting leases or a hunter looking for the ideal hunting lease , this article will help you. Several management practices can be conducted within properties to ensure that cover and food are available throughout the year. Because acorns are an especially important food and energy source for deer during the fall and winter, it is essential to conduct management practices that favor a diversity of oaks, as well as soft-mast producing trees and shrubs beneficial to deer.
Regenerating important oak trees species requires adequate water sources and precipitation. This also improves deer habitat. The ability of a property and the surrounding landscape to support a white-tailed deer population is largely influenced by the type of vegetation present and the land-use decisions being made around the area.
Although white-tailed deer are very adaptable animals, they do have essential requirements for food, cover and water. The first two are provided throughout the year by a mixture of plant and tree communities.
Live oaks are native trees in Texas that can also be found throughout most of the United States. Live oak trees are easily the most commonly planted trees in the state, and many people will already be familiar with these as they might have one in their yard.
While there are a few different species, the most common two that you will find are interior and escarpment live oaks. These giant trees can grow upwards of 40 feet tall with a vast spread.
They can live for more than years, with reports of some living to be over years old. Because of their large size, they provide excellent cover and shelter due to their large canopies. But the biggest reason deer love these trees is for the acorns they provide every year. Larger, mature live oaks will produce sweet, green acorns that whitetail deer absolutely love!
Cedar Elm trees are second only in popularity of being planted in Texas to the Live Oak trees. But like Live Oak trees, they also make an excellent tree for deer. Cedar Elm trees are characterized by their smaller leaves that help them survive in dry climates. And just like Live Oak trees, they can live up to years old.
Cedar Elms can grow anywhere from 50 to 90 feet high and have long drooping limbs that make them a popular choice for the shade they provide.
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