whitetail deer

Common and widespread

Prairies, forests, swamps, wood lots, agricultural fields.

2 to 10 years

The tail is wide and ends in a black tip. There is no rump patch around the tail. When the animal runs the tail stands erect.

On males the antlers develop on a main beam that grows forward. Branches on the antlers are either unbranched prongs, or prongs with minor branches. They do not split equally.

The males are about 20% larger than the females.

Isolated occurances of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in Minnesota have been reported. The mule deer has much larger ears. There is a white rump patch around the tail. The tail is thinner than the tail of the whitetailed deer, and ends in a black tip. When the animal runs the tail hangs down. On males the antlers develop on a main beam that grows upward, rather than forward. Each branch of the antlers are split into a forked pair.

Leaves, twigs, shoots, acorns, berries, and seeds, grasses, and herbs.

Sources: 7, 13, 15, 24, 29.

The range of Dakota whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus dacotensis) extends into western and northwestern Minnesota.

The range of Kansas whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus macrourus) extends into southern Minnesota to about the Minnesota River Valley.

Northern whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus borealis) are found in the northeast, north-central, central, metro, and southeast regions of the state.

Whitetail buck last Spring...

While out in some woods not far from a small creek in rural Norman County, Mn. during the Spring of 2019 I noticed a large deer browsing a distance away. I could only make out parts of the deer due to brush and trees blocking the view. I could tell the body size was rather large but that was it.

I was down wind from it so I tried to get closer to get a better look since there was ample trees branches and foliage etc. blocking my view. I managed to get to an opening and noticed the buck watching me so I aimed my camera at him and took the photo. By deer hunting season this buck may have a fairly impressive full rack of antlers. I had this buck encounter June 17, 2019.

FAWN PORTRAIT...

It had a few green plant seeds stuck on it. One on the forehead and a couple on the body front area. Since they are a little bigger they seem to get around more and one needs to watch in out of the way areas or backroads one never knows when one could spook and dart out in front of a vehicle. They are cute that is for sure.

A Whitetail fawn stiopped to look at us as we stopped in The Big Stone Lake State Park Bonanza area.

The Whitetail fawn seeing what is making some unexpected noise....children.

The Whitetail fawn frolicking in the woods before stopping to look at other noises in the deeper wooded area of The Big Stone Lake State Park Bonanza area.

A Whitetail doe at sunset in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge pausing for a few moments before taking flight.

A White Tail Deer at sunset in the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Long Meadow Lake Unit
Doe and fawn, just off the Bluff Trail

Crosby Farm Regional Park
Whitetail deer can be seen throughout the park. I saw this buck near the parking area at Shepard Road and Elway.

Fort Snelling State Park
Resting deer seemed unconcerned that I was only 10-12 yards away

Caught this deer working along a backyard in the city of Duluth.

Fawns

Sign

Location: Gunflint Trail

Location: Westwood Hills Nature Center

Location: The Big Stone Lake State Park

The Whitetail fawn frolicking in the woods before stopping to look at other noises in the deeper wooded area of The Big Stone Lake State Park Bonanza area.

Location: Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

A Whitetail doe at sunset in The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge pausing for a few moments before taking flight.

Location: Westwood Hills Nature Center

Location: Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

A White Tail Deer at sunset in the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

Location: Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary

Location: rural Norman Co. MN

They were very cute!

Location: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Long Meadow Lake Unit

Doe and fawn, just off the Bluff Trail

Location: Crosby Farm Regional Park

Whitetail deer can be seen throughout the park. I saw this buck near the parking area at Shepard Road and Elway.

Location: Gull Lake, MN

Location: Fort Snelling State Park

Resting deer seemed unconcerned that I was only 10-12 yards away

Location: Westwood Hills Nature Center

Location: St. Louis Co.

Caught this deer working along a backyard in the city of Duluth.