Aptly named for the characteristic large white underside of its tail when raised, the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is one of the most iconic big game species in North America and certainly in Texas. Whether you’re a hunter or just like to watch deer this charismatic animal is part and parcel to the culture of Texas. An estimated 5.3 million white-tailed deer inhabit 252 of the 254 counties in Texas and can be seen everywhere from green spaces in urban communities to the most remote rangelands.

As one of the most popular game animals, white-tailed deer are important to the state’s economy with deer hunting generating an estimated $1.2 billion in economic output and $15.7 billion nationwide. The recreational, economic, aesthetic, and cultural value of white-tailed deer continues to peak interests in management and research. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is responsible for the regulation, conservation, and management of deer populations throughout the state. If you are interested in more information regarding deer hunting, regulations, and management of white-tailed deer then check out the information on this webpage.

Deer Research (Genetics and Antlers)

Factors Contributing to Antler Development:

• Genetics in Antler Development
• Managing for Age in White-tailed Deer
• Role of Nutrition in Antler Development
• Stages of Antler Development

• Are White-tailed Deer Antler Characteristics Inherited? PDF
• Are White-tailed Deer Antler Characteristics Inherited?
• Genetic and Environmental Interaction in White-tailed Deer:
  • Stress Study Results:
    • Increased Antler Mass and Body Weights
    • Increased Production of Quality Yearlings
    • Increased Antler Measurements
  • Conclusions / Management Implications
• Effects of Genetics and Nutrition on Antler Development and Body Size of White-tailed Deer PDF
• Spikes Are Not Inferior, Or Are They?
• Understanding Spike Buck Harvest PDF
• Big Charlie Was No Ordinary Deer PDF
• Should I Buy a Brood Buck?

Deer Management

• White-tailed Deer Management in the Texas Hill Country PDF
• White-tailed Deer Management in the Rolling Plains of Texas PDF
• Guidelines for White-tailed Deer Management in the Cross Timbers and Prairies Region of North Texas PDF
• Deer Management in the South Texas Plains PDF
• Ecology and Deer Habitat Management PDF
• Managing Habitat for White-tailed Deer in the Hill Country PDF
• Basics of Brush Management for White-tailed Deer Production PDF
• Integrating Deer and Cattle Management in the Post Oak Savannah PDF
• Harvest: An Essential Strategy for White-tailed Deer Management PDF
• The Management of Spike Bucks in a White-tailed Deer Population PDF
• Developing a Deer Management Plan PDF
• Mule Deer Management in Texas PDF

Deer Biology and Ecology

• Antler Restriction Regulations
• Stages of Antler Development
• The Rut in White-tailed Deer
• Learn About Whitetails PDF
• A Guide to Age Determination of White-tailed Deer PDF
• The Post Oak Savannah Deer Herd: Past, Present, Future PDF
• Pineywoods Deer Herd Status PDF
• White-tailed Deer Harvest Records PDF
• Exotics in Texas PDF
• Exotic Mammals Competing with the Natives PDF
• Interactions Between White-tailed Deer and Exotics

Deer Survey Techniques

• Deer Census Techniques PDF
• Aerial Surveys for White-tailed Deer in Texas PDF
• Conducting White-tailed Deer Spotlight Surveys in the Cross-Timbers and Prairies Region of North and Central Texas PDF
• Herd Composition: An Essential Element of White-tailed Deer Population and Harvest Management in the Cross-Timbers of Texas PDF
• Surveying White-Tailed Deer Populations Using Infrared-Triggered Cameras PDF
• Stem Count Index, A Habitat Appraisal Method for South Texas PDF

Deer Nutrition and Forages

• Common Browse Plants Used by White-Tailed Deer in the Cross Timbers and Prairies of Texas PDF
• Common Browse Plants Used by White-Tailed Deer in South-Central Texas PDF
• Common Woody Browse Plants Utilized by White-Tailed Deer in South Texas PDF
• White-tailed Deer Food Habits and Preferences in the Cross Timbers and Prairies Region of Texas PDF
• Vegetation of the Kerr Wildlife Management Area PDF
• Food Plots for White-tailed Deer in the Cross-Timbers Region of North Texas PDF
• Supplemental Feeding PDF

Overabundant Deer

• Living with Overabundant White-tailed Deer in Texas Brochure PDF
• Local Deer Control Methods PDF
• Deer Management Within Suburban Areas PDF