Whitetails are the most studied – and hunted – wildlife species in North America. The National Deer Association helps fund scientific research that can help you be a more effective hunter and deer manager, and we’ll share the latest knowledge with our members.

If You Pass a Mature Buck, Will He Grow Bigger Antlers?

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You’ve got a 5½-year-old buck standing broadside in your sights, and he’s yours to take home with you if you want him. He’s heavy-bodied, fully mature and carries a large rack of antlers. But as you prepare to pull the trigger, a question enters your mind: Will he grow larger antlers next year? Perhaps your …

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A New Clue in the Unsolved Mystery of Bullwinkle Deer

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We now know the guilty bacteria causing the condition that for at least 18 years has been transforming a few, rare, unlucky whitetails into Bullwinkle Deer. But that’s about all we know. Mannheimia granulomatis is confirmed as the bacteria that causes the inflammation, so the moose-like swelling of the faces of the victims is a …

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Reverse-facing Lightbar Helps Reduce Deer Vehicle Accidents

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Many areas within the whitetail’s range have abundant deer herds.  As amazing as whitetails are, they can unfortunately cause damage to forests, agricultural crops, landscaping and especially to vehicles.  State Farm Insurance estimates drivers had over 1.9 million deer vehicle accidents (DVAs) from 2018-19.  My home state of Pennsylvania routinely leads the nation in DVAs, …

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Whitetail Rodeo

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Author’s Note: I wrote this article for the February 2008 issue of Quality Whitetails magazine based on a day in October 2007 when I witnessed deer research in action, South Texas style. The photos are mine, including some taken when I had the rare opportunity to ride in one of the helicopters. It was one …

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