 White-tailed deer live in wooded areas and edge habitats, which may be along streams, around wetlands, on hillsides, in fields and pastures or remnant forests. They are frequently found foraging at considerable distances from the woodland or forest areas, but return to these areas for refuge.
Female deer, or does, tend to remain together in family groups consisting of the eldest, her yearling female offspring, and her fawns from that year (typically 2). Since male white-tailed deer are polygamous, they are not associated with the females except during breeding season, and normally do not associate with each other for extended periods of time. Males may form bachelor groups for short periods in late winter and early summer.
 Does are very secretive and reclusive during fawning season, at which time, the doe will birth her fawn or fawns, and keep them in hiding until they are strong enough to join the family group again. The fawning season typically lasts from May to August.
Deer are most active at night and during twilight hours, and are known to browse openly during overcast days. They may, however, be startled at any time out of hiding. White-tailed deer have very sensitive hearing, and any loud noises send them running in the other direction. Antlers appear on the adult males, or bucks, usually during April. Growing continues throughout the spring and summer, during which time, the antlers are covered in “velvet”, actual living tissue that provides nutrients to the growing bone. Antlers are a form of communication, and demonstrate dominance. Each buck sheds its antlers every winter after breeding. The raised tail, with white hair underneath, serves as a visual warning to predators that the deer has spotted danger, and cannot be taken by surprise. It also serves as a warning to other deer that danger is in the area.
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