I have spent a fair amount of time out in Hill Country Texas and while I do not get too far off the path I still see a lot of Deer. Sometimes they can be so well camouflaged that I am startled just how close I am before I actually see them. In some areas there are so many deer you really can not miss them. Many are more curious than afraid of Humans, but I have not tried to approach them as most when you get a 100 feet or so will scamper away.

Questions You Might Have About Local Deer

  • How many deer are there in the hill country of Texas near Austin?

The estimated number of deer in the Hill Country of Texas near Austin is 2.4 million. This is based on a 2018/19 census conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The highest deer densities occur in the Edwards Plateau region, which is part of the Hill Country. In this region, there is an average of 65 deer per 1,000 acres (15 acres per deer).

  • What species are the deer?

The deer in the Hill Country of Texas are white-tailed deer. They are the most common deer species in North America. White-tailed deer are herbivores and eat a variety of plants, including grasses, leaves, fruits, and nuts.

  • How long do they live?

White-tailed deer can live for up to 10 years in the wild. However, most deer only live for 5-7 years. The lifespan of a deer is affected by a number of factors, including predation, disease, and hunting.

  • How many baby deer (Fawns) are born each year?

Female white-tailed deer, called does, typically give birth to one or two fawns each year. The fawns are born in the spring and are able to walk and run within a few hours of being born.

  • How many fawns survive?

The survival rate of fawns is relatively low. Only about half of the fawns born each year will survive to adulthood. The main causes of fawn mortality are predation, disease, and starvation.

  • Do the deer mate for life?

No, white-tailed deer do not mate for life. Males and females only come together to mate. The male deer, called a buck, will fight other bucks for the right to mate with a doe.

  • Is there anything to fear when seeing a deer in the woods?

There is no need to be afraid of deer in the woods. They are generally shy animals and will run away if they see you. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings when you are in deer country. Deer can be unpredictable and can sometimes be aggressive if they feel threatened.

  • Is there a hunting season for these deer?

Yes, there is a hunting season for white-tailed deer in Texas. The hunting season varies depending on the region of the state. In the Hill Country, the hunting season for white-tailed deer typically runs from November to January.

  • What do they eat?

White-tailed deer are herbivores and eat a variety of plants, including grasses, leaves, fruits, and nuts. They are also known to eat agricultural crops, such as corn and soybeans.

  • Is it dangerous to feed the deer?

It is not recommended to feed deer. Feeding deer can make them dependent on humans and can also spread diseases. If you see a deer, it is best to admire it from a distance.

  • Do the deer carry disease?

Yes, deer can carry a number of diseases, including chronic wasting disease (CWD) and brucellosis. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that can cause abortions in deer and other animals.

  • What predators rely on these deer?

The main predators of white-tailed deer in the Hill Country are coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. However, deer can also be killed by cars, lightning, and other causes.

  • Are the deer an annoyance?

Deer can sometimes be an annoyance, especially if they are feeding on your garden or lawn. However, they are also a valuable part of the ecosystem and play an important role in the food chain.

I hope this answers all of your questions about deer in the Hill Country Texas near Austin.