Why are Whitetail Deer Called Creatures of the Edge?

Whitetail deer are often referred to as "creatures of the edge" due to their preference for areas where different habitat types meet or transition from one to another. These areas, known as "edges" or "transition areas," offer a variety of benefits that make them attractive to deer.

Edges refer to the boundary where two different types of habitats or environments meet. For instance, where a forest meets a grassland or an agricultural field. These areas offer a variety of food sources, cover, and travel corridors. The diverse array of food sources, from the different types of vegetation, helps meet the deer's nutritional needs throughout the year. The cover provided by the edges allows deer to quickly escape potential predators or perceived threats, and they also use this cover for bedding and resting during the day. The edges often serve as natural travel corridors for deer as they move between feeding, bedding, and watering areas.

Transition areas, on the other hand, involve more gradual changes in habitat types or terrain features. These zones may be characterized by a gradual shift from dense to sparse vegetation, or from lowland to upland areas. Like edges, transition areas provide a blend of cover, safety, and food sources, making them attractive to deer.

Scouting and hunting in these transition zones and edges can be a smart strategy for bow hunters. By studying aerial maps, recognizing natural features that create transition zones, scouting in person, observing from a distance, looking for preferred food sources, setting up trail cameras, and monitoring changes throughout the season, hunters can increase their chances of encountering deer. When hunting, planning your approach, choosing a stand location, being patient and observant, and adapting your strategy as needed can lead to successful hunts.