where do deer go in winter?

Answer 1

White tail deer do two things in winter. They change color and they pen up together. White tail deer are brown and in winter they become grey like the color of bark on sugar maples. Less leaves makes grey a good color. Most deer hide out in the forest. Many are more active in evening getting food. Most female deer and a few males depending on age pen up together in groups.

A dominant male will be able to mate with several females when they group this way. The males have antlers which are made of bone and grow all summer with a coat of velvet. They scrape them on tree limbs to remove the skin. Then they fight some when they group up.

In Ohio they stay in many of the forests they normally live in in urban environments depending on snowfall they may visit open areas like golf courses where they can get grass year round or even people's back yards for food people leave out. They mainly are skittish but in the Cleveland area some are like dogs and repeatedly show up in the feeder areas in back yards like birds and squirrels.

They do not hibernate like bears but stay active year round. Females become pregnant in winter. This is why hunting season is in the fall and early winter because the antlers fall off and you should know the sex before you take them. There are different rules for different sexes.

Answer 2

Actually I think some states make a definite distinction between baiting and simply feeding deer. They sell deer feed in bins in Colorado at feed stores, but you can't bait them. When the winters are severe, the DOW will put feed out for deer and elk to lessen winter kill. I can't see how they would make that illegal for citizens. For the long term, I like the idea of food plots. (I'll get around to it...) In Cal. both are illegal.

Answer 3

In the Midwest (whitetail) deer dont go anywheres they stay in the same area all year round...another interesting fact about deer is that...bucks antlers fall off and regrow every year!!...simply amazing

Answer 4

They just stay and hang out. Its just about winter here in montana and the deer are just chillin. HAHAHA....ehem. Forgive the pun.

Answer 5

might depend on the species, but in the northeast US at least they stay in the same area all year long

Answer 6

Their beach side summer homes of course...where else would they go?

Answer 7

UM..the woods where its thick and they can bundle together and stay warm

Answer 8

same place that they live year round

Answer 9

They stick around, thats why they are hunted.

Answer 10

underground.

deep underground.