The Texas Hill Country is perhaps the most densely populated area of white-tailed deer in the country. White-tailed deer are a small to medium-hoofed mammal with reddish brown to blue-gray or tan colorings. The underside of the tail is white and produces a white “flag” and rump when raised. Antlers on male consist mainly of main beam with tines growing from it.

Females give birth to one to three spotted young, known as fawns, in mid- to late spring, generally in May or June. For the first four weeks, fawns are hidden in vegetation by their mothers, and nurse them four to five times a day. This strategy keeps scent levels low to avoid predators. After about a month, the fawns are then able to follow their mothers on foraging trips. They are usually weaned after 8–10 weeks.

Most of the time, when a person comes across a fawn, the fawn is truly not abandoned. Understand that the doe will give birth and leave the fawn. This is normal. The mother is usually within a 500 foot radius of the fawn. If the fawn is not crying, is not covered with fire ants, the eyes are not swollen and there are no visible wounds, do not handle or disturb it. Your presence will only cause unnecessary stress for the fawn.

If there is an injured deer near you, please immediately contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Information Line at 1-800-792-1112. We will work with them directly when rehabilitation care is needed.