Whitetail Doe Life During the Winter

Whitetail Doe in the Winter

Whitetail deer usually find themselves flourishing during most of the seasons, especially in the spring, summer, and fall, when there is usually plenty of food to be found. However, it is during those winter months that things get a whole lot harder on them, if you take a look at whitetail deer information.

Of course this is an especially hard time for the doe. Let's take a closer and in detail look at the doe and how she does during the difficult months of winter.

During the winter months, things can get quite tough for the deer whitetail doe, especially if she lives in the more Northern areas of the United States or up in Canada. The cold and snow can be harsh, and in some cases, the doe may migrate further in search of food.

Of course other than just dealing with a harsh winter, the doe often has a hard time because food is scarce during the winter. Sometimes she may be able to find some green beneath the snow; however, she often has to eat brush, twigs, and even bark from trees to survive the winter.

There are actually many occurrences of does dying during the winter from malnutrition. This is when all the preparation from the summer and fall come in handy.

The doe's metabolism will slow down during the winter months, so she won't need quite as much to keep her body going. In some cases a doe may go for days without finding food as well, making her rely totally on her fat reserves, which cannot last forever.

While her metabolism may slow down, you still have to remember that she is probably pregnant during these winter months, which means she has a baby that is depending on her for nutrition as well.

This can make it even harder on a whitetail doe during the winter. Being pregnant and worrying about food all the time, not to mention the cold and snow can definitely make it a hard season for the doe.

While many times doe get pregnant with twins or triplets, she may not be able to sustain them all during the winter months, meaning she may lose one of her fawns during the winter months, especially if conditions are unusually harsh.

Thankfully for the doe, she develops a very thick, gray, coat during the winter which is designed to help keep her warm. The gray color actually helps by attracting and absorbing the heat that comes from the sun. The coat is also insulating as well, helping to keep her warm.

The Hair on the Whitetail is hollow which makes for great insulation. In some cases you'll find that female whitetails often run together in the winter as well, which can help them all to keep warmer by staying together.

Of course if the doe can make it through the winter, spring will come fairly quickly, and food will be back again. So, while the winter can be so difficult for the whitetail doe, spring is coming and she'll soon get a break.

For more information on the Whitetail Deer Doe follow the links below

» Go to Whitetail Doe Life in the Spring

» Go to Whitetail Doe Life in the Summer

» Go to Whitetail Doe Life in the Fall

Whitetail doe in winter

Whitetail Resources


Whitetail Deer Hunting Logo

Field Dressing a Deer Instructional Ebook

Price: $9.95

Buy Now


My New Site Dedicated To Deer Hunting


Scent Control


Deer Hunting Blog


State Wildlife Information


Trophy Whitetail Deer


Recommended Products


Deer Hunting Tips


Recent Articles

  1. Biggest Whitetail Deer

    Aug 31, 24 09:18 PM

    Whitetail Buck Rutting
    Fall is the time for the Biggest Whitetail Deer to assert their dominance during the rut.

    Read More

  2. Whitetail Deer Fawn Fall

    Aug 31, 24 09:17 PM

    Whitetail Deer Fawns Fall 5
    Whitetail deer fawns are born in late spring with spots. By winter they have lost their spots and their coats have changed color.

    Read More

  3. North American Whitetail Fawns

    Aug 31, 24 09:17 PM

    Whitetail Deer Fawn 8
    North American Whitetail deer fawns are born in late spring with spots. By winter they have lost their spots and their coats have changed color.

    Read More

My New Site Dedicated To Deer Hunting


Scent Control


Deer Hunting Blog


State Wildlife Information


Trophy Whitetail Deer


Recommended Products


Deer Hunting Tips


Should you find a fawn PLEASE LEAVE IT WHERE IT IS. It is not abandoned by its mother. The mother is out feeding and left her fawn or fawns in what she considers a safe place. quoted text



Questions and Comments 

Please use the contact us page for any questions or comments you may have. We may post them on our site with a reply. You will also receive a personal reply from us. We want to make this site as relevant to your needs as we can. Just let us know how we can help you.

And thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.
Randy