Although the whitetail population is at an all-time high, the lives of North America’s most abundant and controversial deer are still shrouded in mystery. So few whitetail activities are ever witnessed that many unique traits, social habits, and day-to-day experiences have gone undocumented—until now. From the classifications of the Cervidae family to field dressing a deer, from the science behind tree rubs to the number of spots on a fawn’s coat, Rue explains every conceivable aspect of these popular and spirited large mammals.

Includes index.

Populations and nomenclature -- Whitetail sizes and weights -- Physiology -- The five senses -- Age and aging -- Predators, parasites, pathogens, and accidents -- Antlers -- Food and when it's eaten -- Communication -- Emotions in deer -- Instinct vs. intelligence -- The deer's year -- Deer and man.