Cissy Beasley
Almost Everything Whitetail
If you spy a flash of white under that buck’s tail when he turns to slip away, you’ve encountered a white-tailed deer, the most sought-after big-game species in Texas.
Whether you’re a hunter filling the family freezer with fresh meat or a wildlife watcher charmed by the sight of a whitetail’s power and regal beauty, you likely know what it means to have “buck fever.” An estimated 5.5 million white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) inhabit all but two of Texas’ 254 counties and can be seen everywhere, from urban green spaces to the most remote wilds.
White-tailed deer hunting generates an estimated $1.2 billion in economic output (think gas, gear, lease fees, hotels, restaurants and small-town retail businesses) in Texas and $15.7 billion nationwide. Even those admittedly impressive numbers can’t convey the depth of Texas’ enduring attraction to the whitetail and the culture that surrounds it, from art to cooking to writing — not to mention the thrill of the hunt itself.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department handles the weighty responsibility of regulation, conservation and management of deer populations throughout the state, as well as the education and safety of hunters. The agency sold more than 1.24 million hunting licenses in 2019; license sales are up in 2020 as Texans see hunting as an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while staying COVID-safe.
There’s not enough space to tell you literally everything about white-tailed deer, but we love a challenge!
Lifespan
Average 7 years
Speed
up to 30 mph
Gestation
201 days
Weight
175lb (m); 110lb (f)
Length/Height
up to 7 ft, +/- 3 ft @ shoulder
Diet
forbs, shrubs, acorns
A GUIDE TO WHITE-TAILED DEER
In the Wild: Focus On the Eyes
In The Wild: Leave Fawns Alone
Before the Hunt: The Epicenter of Deer Research
Before the Hunt: Stay Safe in Deer Camp
Before the Hunt: Learn Before You Leave
Before the Hunt: The Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety
The Hunt: Becoming a Deer Hunter
The Harvest: A Life-like Vision
The Harvest: Wall-to-Wall Antlers
The Harvest: Ancient Rock Stars?
The Harvest: Hunters for the Hungry
The Feast: Venison Backstrap Stuffed with Pecan and Cranberry
The Feast: How to Butterfly and Truss a Loin
The Feast: Oh-So-Spicy Venison Ribs
The Feast: Venison Sourdough Toast
The Feast: Cooking Tips from Tim Love
The Stories: A Fever for Fiction
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