White Tail Deer (Odocoileus virginanus) - The white tail deer was a main food source for the pioneer settlers and local natives. A diminishing species was reported in 1900, and by 1928 the Game and Fish Commission started restoration of the herds. In 1950 a restocking program intensified. Georgia's present deer population exceeds one million. Scientifically controlled hunting seasons help to prevent over-population.
The only deer native to Georgia, it has the familiar V-shaped white-tail fringe. Sizes vary from 75lbs. to 100lbs., some older bucks weighing in at 300lbs.
They have a keen sense of hearing, smell and sight. Color vision is not defined. Adult deer can jump barriers of eight feet and more and will leap up to 28 feet horizontally. Females live a little longer than males. In the wild, males live about 4½ years. The antlers appear on males about 1½ years after birth. Each year more points develop and every January or February they shed their rack.
White tail deer can live in many areas, forest, swamps, fields and even within city limits of metropolitan areas. Foraging on woody twigs, bugs, fruits, mushrooms, and acorns. Destroying small crops such as tree seedlings, watermelons, soybeans, peanuts, and flowers.
Breeding occurs from October through January. The gestation period is approximately 210 days. Does usually breed after they are about 1½ years old. Some have been known to conceive at 6 months. One fawn is born with the first pregnancy and two thereafter.
A herd of deer will make their home on approximately 400 acres.
Residential Deer: Most of the deer that are living here at Obediah's, have been received from DNR. Occasionally orphaned or injured fawns are rescued by locals who bring them out to be nurtured and cared for where it is safe. At the present time the youngest member of our deer family, "Princess", was pulled from the river on a fishing trip, barely able to hold it's head above water. With no mother in sight, Mr. Spradley boarded the newborn fawn of less than 48 hours of age into his boat and gently delivered her to his home. Princess was nursed to health and contact was made through DNR to raise her here at Obediah's. The Spradleys come out many times a month to bring her treats and check up on her. Thanks to them for this timely rescue and extension of love for the native wildlife. Occasionally newborns do not survive human care during the first few weeks. Complications sometimes can only be resolved by mother nature and the birth mother.
It is against the law to house wildlife species without proper permits and authority. Please contact your local Department of Natural Resources for help in the matter. This picture of "Bucky" was made before he shed his rack of 9 points.
