Whitetail Deer

by Jack Ballard

Overview

Whitetail Deer presents readers with substantive yet easily digestible information on this medium-size animal. Where do they live? How do they communicate? This book contains all the information you need to become familiar with these fascinating animals. Accompanied by numerous full-color photos of whitetail deer in their natural habitat, this handy field guide makes an excellent take-home souvenir and reference for anybody interested in whitetail deer. Chapter topics include: 1.Species and subspecies identification 2.Range and habitat 3.Abilities and behavior 4.Whitetail deer and other animals (prey, predators, parasites and disease) 5.Reproduction and young 6.Whitetail deer and humans

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781493026456
Publisher:	Falcon Guides
Publication date:	10/15/2016
Series:	Falcon Pocket Guides Series
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	4.20(w) x 6.80(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

A writer, photographer, and naturalist, Jack Ballard is a frequent contributor to numerous regional and national publications. He has written hundreds of articles on wildlife and wildlife-related topics. His photos have been published in numerous books, calendars, and magazines. Jack has received multiple awards for his writing and photography from the Outdoor Writers Association of America and other professional organizations. He holds two master’s degrees and is an accomplished public speaker, entertaining students, conference attendees, and recreation conservation groups with his compelling narratives. When not wandering the backcountry, he hangs his hat in Red Lodge, Montana. See more of his work at jackballard.com.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 Names and Faces

Names and Visual Description 1

Related Species in North America 4

Subspecies of Whitetail Deer 7

Physical Characteristics 10

Issues and Whitetails: Key Deer Face Multiple Risks, Many of Them Man-Made 11

Antlers and Antler Development 12

Chapter 2 Range and Habitat

North American Range-Historic 17

North American Range-Current 22

Whitetail Deer Habitat 23

Issues and Whitetails: Urban Habitats-Possibilities and Perils 26

Chapter 3 Nutritional Requirements and Forage

Nutritional Requirements 28

Digestion 32

Food Sources 33

Issues and Whitetails: Killed by Compassion 37

Migration 38

Chapter 4 Abilities and Behavior

Physical Abilities 40

Vocal and Visual Communication 47

Herd Behavior 49

Issues and Whitetails: What to Make of a Waving White Tail? 52

Chapter 5 Reproduction and Young

The Mating Season 53

Pregnancy and Gestation 58

Birth 59

Nurturing Fawns to Adulthood 61

Issues and Whitetails: Let Them Lie 63

Chapter 6 Whitetail Deer and Other Animals

Whitetails and Other Ungulates 64

Whitetails and Predators 68

Parasites and Diseases 72

Chapter 7 Whitetail Deer and Humans

Whitetails and American Indians 75

Whitetails and European Settlers 77

Whitetails and Us 79

Issues and Whitetails: Deer Damage 81

Index 84

About the Author 86