Sitka Black-tailed deer are native to Southeast Alaska. They
are smaller and stockier than other black-tailed deer. Their
fawns are born in early spring and average adult weight is
about 80 pounds for does and 120 pounds for a buck. Their
summer coats are reddish-brown and by winter they turn brownish
gray. They have typical branching antlers that usually develop
with three points on either side.
Breeding season
is during late November and called "rut". Bucks
spend little time foraging during breeding and usually come
down from the higher elevations to seek does. Fawns are born
in late spring. Deer spend most of the summer foraging in
old-growth forests and abundant foliage below 1500 feet elevation.
In winter they are restricted to bushes such as bunchberry
and trailing brambles. If the snow is deep they browse on
blueberry, yellow cedar, hemlock and lichens.
Hunting Sitka Black-tailed
deer on Prince of Wales Island usually begins in late August
until December 31st. The season actually begins in early August
for resident hunters. Population of deer fluctuates considerable
with the severity of winters.
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