Southern Ontario Whitetailed Deer Primer

Well it's that time of year again.  Here's some basic information that might make the difference between a pleasant fall outing and putting meat in the freezer.

General

White tailed deer are the most abundant of all North American big game animals.  These phantoms of the woodlands can be found from Canada’s extreme north to the southernmost regions of Texas.  Deriving their name from the white underside of their tail, a white tail deer will “flash” its tail as a warning signal to other deer in the vicinity.  A signal that no hunter wants to see, because it means you’ve been busted.

The female (doe) usually weighs between 90 and 130 pounds (50 to 60 kg), but some weigh in excess of 130 pounds (60 kg). The deer's coat is a reddish-brown in the spring and summer, and turns to a grey-brown throughout the fall and winter. The bucks shed their antlers around February, and begin growing them back in the early spring.

Habitat

White tailed deer can be found in a wide variety of habitat ranging from forest to open fields.  One sure place to watch is riparian habitat, or the fringes of wetlands, lakes, and rivers.

In the north, look for stands of conifers with easy access to water.  White tails often travel the same trails so if you find a well used trail look for fresh sign and scout out a location that affords good visibility of the trail while allowing you to remain hidden.

Of the 16 sub species of white tailed deer found in North America, only three are found in Canada.  The northern white tail ranges from Western Ontario to Nova Scotia while the Dakota white tail ranges from the Ontario / Manitoba border westward to the foothills of the Rockies.  Then there is the small pocket of Tawny deer located in Southeastern British Columbia.

Feeding

During the spring and summer the white-tailed deer’s diet consists of leafy material from a variety of woody plants, grasses, herbs, and broad leafed plants. It also includes such delicacies as fiddleheads, mushrooms, and blueberries.

When summer’s bounty disappears, the deer must depend largely on the twigs and buds that are within their reach. Acorns are a favorite autumn food for white-tailed deer living in eastern Canada, and in Western Canada grain piles left in fields attract white-tailed deer throughout the autumn and winter.  Apples and other fall fruits are also a favorite autumn food of whitetails so don’t overlook that abandoned fruit orchard.  But after the snow flies they start to browse on twigs, branches, or even cedar boughs.  If you have ever eaten venison from a deer that was browsing on cedar you’re sure to remember the distinctive flavor.

Breeding

The peak of the rut occurs sometime around the last two weeks of November in most of Canada, although it can occur a bit earlier or later in various regions of the country.

Does usually give birth to one or two fawns sometime around the end of may to the first part of June, but it is not uncommon to see birthing take place well into the summer months.

Hunting Considerations

White tailed deer tend to be crepuscular, meaning that they are most active in the hours around dusk and dawn.  However, they can be found on the move throughout the day, so don’t limit your hunting activities to dawn and dusk.  Many deer are taken at times when most hunters are lounging in camp.

Deer have keen senses of hearing, smell, and sight.  Whether you are bow hunting from a tree stand or hunting the perimeter of marshlands with a rifle, understanding the art of stealth is a real asset. 

OFAH and OCOA Encourage a Safe and Responsible Hunting Sason

It’s an exciting time of year for big game hunters and waterfowlers alike. Tens of thousands of hunters will be hitting the bush, field or water this fall to take advantage of the many great wild game and migratory bird opportunities in the province, and to enjoy their hunting heritage. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) would like to wish all outdoor enthusiasts a great season and remind them to ensure they have the latest information on regulations in their wildlife management unit, to obtain and carry all necessary permits and licenses, to obey the law, but most of all remember safety first.

“Hunting in Ontario offers many rewards, including healthy recreation in the outdoors and a lifelong connection with wildlife,” said OFAH Executive Director Angelo Lombardo. “It’s also an opportunity to spend time with family and friends and take part in a true Canadian tradition. However, responsible hunters know that a license to hunt is not a license to trespass. The vast majority of hunters in Ontario ask permission to hunt on privately-owned land, build good relationships with landowners, and show their respect and appreciation for having the privilege to hunt on private property.”

“As a hunter myself, I understand the need to show the utmost respect to both landowners and other hunters,” said OCOA President Joe McCambridge. “I encourage all hunters to put consideration for others before the need to bag a trophy deer or get a limit of geese – this will ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt for all.”

Anyone who observes illegal or unsafe hunting activity is asked to help Conservation Officers protect our natural resources and ensure public safety by calling the MNR’s violation reporting line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7677), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

For more information about natural resources regulations and enforcement, please visit the OCOA website at http://www.ocoa.ca or contact your local Conservation Officer.

With over 100,000 members, supporters and subscribers, and 710 member clubs, the OFAH is the largest non-profit conservation-based organization in Ontario. For more information, visit www.ofah.org and stay connected with Facebook and Twitter.