The white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus is New York`s most popular game animal. Named for the white underside of its tail, which is visible when it holds its tail erect while running. Only male deer have antlers, which fall off every winter and regrow every summer. The increasing amount of daylight corresponds with decreased melatonin levels, which, in turn, trigger a surge of hormones in the young deer, inciting antler growth. In this way, male deer have hardened antlers by the time mating season rolls around, so they can assert their dominance on the breeding grounds. Developing antlers are covered with a soft skin called velvet, which is full of blood vessels. A whitetail buckââ¬â¢s antlers during the growth phase are covered in velvet, growing up to 2 cm per day, making them the fastest growing tissue of any mammal on earth!
Increasing levels of testosterone, in addition to decreasing daylight hours, are among the major factors contributing to antler growth during the summer months. Deer can swim, run up to 35-40 miles per hour, and jump over an 8-foot high fence. Bow season opens around October 1st and runs until gun season, which is the 3rd Saturday in November. There are 3 weeks of gun season, followed by muzzleloader.
|
