Overview Of Whitetail Deer

White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer, scientifically known as Odocoileus virginianus, are medium-sized mammals native to North, Central, and South America. They are the most widely distributed ungulate herbivores in the Americas, thriving in diverse habitats from forests to grasslands.

Alabama Deer Hunting

Alabama deer hunting

Overview of White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer, scientifically known as Odocoileus virginianus, are medium-sized mammals native to North, Central, and South America. They are the most widely distributed ungulate herbivores in the Americas, thriving in diverse habitats from forests to grasslands.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size:
    • Bucks (males): 200-300 lbs, 2.5-3 ft tall at the shoulder
    • Does (females): 90-200 lbs
  • Coloration:
    • Summer: reddish-brown coat
    • Winter: grayish-brown coat
    • Distinctive white tail used for signaling danger

Habitat and Distribution

White-tailed deer inhabit a variety of environments, including:

  • Forests
  • Farmlands
  • Brushy areas
  • Swamps

They are found throughout the mainland United States, except for parts of the western U.S., and have been introduced to several other regions globally.

Behavior and Diet

White-tailed deer are herbivorous and selective feeders. Their diet includes:

  • Acorns
  • Grasses
  • Agricultural crops (corn, soybeans)
  • Fruits and broad-leaved plants

They are social animals, often seen in small herds, especially does with fawns. Bucks may form bachelor groups outside of the breeding season.

Reproduction

  • Breeding Season: October to December
  • Gestation: Approximately 200 days
  • Fawns: Typically, does give birth to twins, which are hidden for safety.

Human Interaction

White-tailed deer are significant in hunting and wildlife management. They are often considered a nuisance in some areas due to high populations, leading to deer-vehicle collisions. In the U.S., millions of deer are harvested annually for sport and population control.

Mule Shoe Plantation Features:

  • Over 200 acres in food plots, most planted in Lab-Lab, corn, clover and small grains. Free choice feeders containing high protein pellets along with minerals used year round.
  • 2,800 acres high fenced to maintain a 2 buck to 1 doe ratio, Bucks scoring in the 160s B&C, with 130s being common.
  • Hunting and harvest limited to produce top-quality trophy deer.

    Awards & Achievements

    2010 — Soil Conservationist of the Year for Alabama

    2004 — named the State Tree Farm of the Year.
    (Featured in Progressive Farmer magazine where we were voted Best Big Game Farm of the Year by Browning, Progressive Farmer Rural Sportsman and the National Shooting Sport Foundation.)

    2003 — the W. Kelly Mosley Award for Forestry and Wildlife.

    1991 — Alabama Forestry Planning Committee’s Helen Mosley Memorial Treasure Forest Award for excellence in multiple-use management for forest land. Featured on Buckmasters hunting show.

    cottage

    LODGE FEATURES

    • 4 Private Rooms with Full Bathrooms
    • Full Kitchen
    • Great Room with Fireplace
    • Large Dining Room
    • Deck Overlooking Lake Conference Room
    • Satellite TV
    • Unlimited Long Distance

      Rifle Range

      We offer a 200 yard rifle range with targets at 20, 50 100, & 200 yards. Our shooting bench is in a covered house. All accessories are furnished (lead sled, weight bags etc…)

      Muleshoe Plantation is located

      (Click for map)

      • 30 Minutes from DOTHAN, AL
      • 1 Hour from TALLAHASSEE, FL
      • 2 Hours from COLUMBUS, GA
      • 2 Hours from Panama City, FL
      • 4 Hours from ATLANTA, GA

          Nearby Airports:

          • Dothan, AL
            (Transportation can be arranged from Dothan airport.)
          • Panama City, FL
          • Tallahassee, FL
          • Columbus, GA
          • Atlanta, GA