hist-4248-photo-Closed Seasons on Hunting throughout the Colonies

White-tailed Deer

1680 CE - present

Native to North America, Central America, and South America, White-tailed deer populations have been introduced to other areas around the world including Jamaica and many European countries. Since the colonization of America, the species has experienced a historically dramatic population about-face. Upon the rise of the global fur trade, the highly sought after white-tailed deer almost went extinct in the late 19th century. Now, after the combined warming climate, scarcity of predators, and access to human agriculture as a ceaseless food source, deer populations are in the millions. Officials are struggling to determine how best to control the species’ rapid growth as excessive numbers threaten the health of other flora and fauna as well as humans.

Most Pressing Issues

Population overgrowth

Since the first hunting season launched in 1969, predation of the white-tailed deer has become scarce and populations have ascended into the millions. Human development and the warming climate have forced many animals, specifically species who prey on deer, into increasingly smaller habitats and hindered their hunting capabilities. Adversely, these factors have expanded the range of the white-tail deer as suburban communities and agricultural tracts provide safe habitats with plenty of food. Additionally, warming temperatures allow the animal to roam further than previous climates may have allowed.

Inhibiting forest regeneration

High deer density threatens forest health by hindering tree regeneration and species diversity. As the deer eat vulnerable saplings and low hanging shrubs, these plants have a lower chance of survival than old growth which towers above the animal’s feeding range. Additionally, deer will consume the vegetation they find most palatable, preventing forest diversity from developing evenly.

How You Can Help

Whitetails Unlimited

Whitetails Unlimited is a nonprofit conservation organization that works to enhance wildlife habitat and offers educational programs on safe and responsible hunting practices.

National Deer Association

The National Deer Association is committed to the future of white-tailed deer population and habitat maintenance. They offer educational resources to individuals highlighting the success story of white-tailed deer conservation. They also provide hunters with the knowledge and understanding required to safely and sustainably practice their sport.

U.S. Northeast Timeline

Sources:

Duane Diefenbach, “Will Climate Change Change Deer?” The Pennsylvania State University, May 7, 2015.