What states do mule deer live in?
Unlike the related white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), which is found through most of North America east of the Rocky Mountains and in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains from Idaho and Wyoming northward, mule deer are only found on the western Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, the southwest United States, and …
Where do mule deer like to live?
Mule Deer Habitat Though their preferred living area is the forest edge and mountains, they can adapt to anywhere such as a desert region. During the summer months, they tend to be found mostly in the mountains. During the winter months, they move down the mountains and into the valleys.
What is the lifespan of a mule deer?
9-11 years
How big is a mule deer territory?
Mule deer home range size varies depending on the region, habitat quality, season, and distribution of vi- tal resources. Mean home range size for adult does has been estimated to be 0.3 to 1.2 square miles while that of bucks approximately 1.2 to 4 square miles, but may be as large as 30 square miles.
What state has the largest mule deer?
Colorado
How often does a mule deer need water?
Typically, deer will drink water once or twice a day. Stowers says more studies are available on the distance deer will travel for water. The literature indicates that between 1.5 to 3 miles is about the maximum distance most will travel for water.
Can a mule deer jump a 6 foot fence?
Deer normally will not jump a 6-foot fence; but if chased or threatened, they can clear an 8-foot fence on level ground. Because of this ability, a 7- or 8-foot fence is recommended, especially where mule deer are found.
Do mule deer need water everyday?
What you might not know is deer get a lot of their water intake from the plants they eat, which means they don’t need to go to water every day. They do need fresh water, but on many occasions they can go a couple of days without hitting the water hole.
What time of day do deer drink water?
Deer can go long periods without drinking anything because they often get the water they need from lush vegetation. However, deer typically leave their bedding and go to water in the evening before they find food, especially when it’s convenient.
How often does a deer need water?
A whitetail needs about two to three quarts of water per day, per 100 pounds of body weight. In hotter climates, it could be more. At the same time, watering holes are prone to drying up.
Should I leave water out for deer?
It’s tempting to want to help them, and my tender heart often gets the better of my tougher brain. But as you say, it’s messing with the natural order and balance of nature. The problem with putting out food and water is that the deer will remember it and come back time after time.
Will a deer bed in water?
Research shows that most deer—particularly mature bucks—tend to bed near water. Most buck beds that we have seen are within about 75 yards of a source of water—even if the water source is relatively small.
Why do deer go to water when shot?
They get thirsty due to the loss of blood (fluids). They instinctively know to go to water. Sometimes they submerge in the water because submerging in water helps them to feel better because cold water constricts the blood vessels which slows the bleeding and soothes the wound.
Where do deers hide during the day?
Deer usually like to hide in thick bushes during the day, and they cover themselves up very well. In some cases, female deer also help the newborn deer to hide properly, and they even tuck them in before plopping beside them in a protective stance.
Where do bucks like to bed?
A southwest-facing slope provides two key elements a buck will look for in a bedding area: headwind and sunshine. This allows them to smell danger long before they see it and seek out a little warmth in the colder months. Mature bucks will typically lay down with a thick stand of trees at their backs.
How many bucks will a doe breed with?
I asked a game biologist with an emphasis on deer management how many does a mature buck will breed and his answer really surprised me. He said a mature buck will breed between 8-10 does. If that is the case, then most does are bred by immature bucks.
Where do big bucks hide?
“More mature deer are going to find a place for bedding that’s close to water, food, cover and where the does are,” he said. “You’re looking for south-facing slopes [where there is] more sun, and the thermals create a sort of wind tunnel. In those places a big buck doesn’t have to use a lot of energy to chase does.”
Where do deer go at night?
At night they typically use darkness, and silence, as a shield against predators. At night they also sleep in hidden places. Some deer at night also find a suitable place around tall bushes and scrape the ground to make a comfortable bed for them to sleep or rest during the night.
Do deer travel the same path every day?
Walking Along Paths They leave their home going to a place they know they can feed and then walk back home. As long as this continues to be a safe place for them, they will continue to walk along this same path every single day.
Where do deer go when it rains?
As a lifelong hunter, I can tell you that deer tend to stay put in dense cover when it’s raining hard. Of course they still get wet, but for whatever reason they don’t seem to move around much in rough stormy weather.