White-tailed Deer

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus)

Statistics

• Activity: Mostly nocturnal but not strictly
• Breeding Season: Late September through February
• Breeding: 1 litter of 1 to 3 fawns
• Description: Reddish to grayish brown, underside; throat and underside of tail are white
• Diet: Herbivores
• Habitat: Mixed forest
• Independence: Males one year; Females two years
• Lifespan: 10 years

Common Issues

Deer Destroying Trees

Some evidence of deer in your yard is a browse line. A browse line is the highest point the deer can reach. Usually if deer are eating your trees there will be no leaves from the browse line to the ground. There may be markings on the bark of small trees. This is called "buck rubs" and occurs when male deer rub their antlers on the bark. To protect small trees, install wrapping or corrugated plastic sleeves. For larger trees place 2-inch wooden stakes about 5-feet high and wrap barrier and game deterrent fencing around the stacks. These items can be found at your local hardware store.

Scare Device Functionality

Scare devices will work at first but deer will learn to adapt to them. The best way for this to work is to have different types of devices, alternate them, and switch them around. Different types of scare devices are motion sensor lights, scarecrows that move by the wind, scare tape, and/or balloons.

Deer Resistant Ornamentals

Trees, Shrubs and Vines

View a list of trees, shrubs and vines that can be used in your yard to help deter deer.

Flowers, Ferns, Herbs and Ground Covering Plants

You can also view a list of flowers, ferns, herbs, and ground covering plants that will help deter deer from entering your yard.

For More Information

For more information, call (757) 825-4657.