The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Caught in Ohio

The whitetail deer is one of the most commonly hunted game. Located throughout the Americas and Southern Canada, whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) reside in forested areas, hardwoods, croplands, open fields, and similar terrain. Many people flock to highly populated whitetail deer locations for recreational hunting opportunities. In fact, Ohio is a prime location for such hunting opportunities.

The whitetail deer is one of Ohio’s most well-known wildlife species, running rampant throughout the state in various habitats. The state is one of the best for deer hunting, with many people traveling across the country for recreational hunting opportunities. With such prevalent hunting occurring in Ohio, it’s no wonder the state’s largest caught whitetail deer is so gigantic. Keep reading to discover the size of the record-breaking Ohio deer, as well as some common facts about whitetails.

Whitetail Deer Facts

Whitetail deer are agile creatures with brown coloring and — you guessed it — whitetails. They’re of the Artiodactyla order, Cervidae family, and Odocoileus genus. Additionally, there are between 35 to 36 million whitetail deer in the world, as well as a minimum of 26 whitetail deer subspecies. 

Female deer give birth to one litter per year, with new mothers usually only giving birth to just one fawn. The average size of a litter is between one to three fawns. Mother deer are extremely protective over their fawn and will defend them against even the largest predators.

Male whitetail deer, or bucks, grow antlers so they can compete for female deer. They shed their antlers each year, but many hunters will kill a buck in order to obtain their antlers as a trophy of sorts. Humans are whitetail deer’s main predators, with other common predators being wolves, mountain lions, bears, jaguars, and coyotes. To escape these dangers, deer swim (they’re excellent swimmers!), run (up to 30 miles per hour), jump (up to 10 feet high), and use their strong sense of smell to identify threats. Deer are also known to have incredible vision and hearing, which can help them flee the scene before it’s too late.

Because whitetail deer are herbivores, they often feed on vegetation like corn, grass, bark, and fruit. In areas that are overpopulated, this sometimes makes them a hazard to the region, which is why some states implement deer management programs.

What Is the Average Size of a Whitetail Deer

The average size of a whitetail deer includes the following measurements: weight is 150 pounds to 611 pounds, height is 1.7 feet to 3.9 feet, and length is 3.3 feet to 7.2 feet. They’re typically the same height as a pony yet smaller than an elk or moose. Additionally, whitetail deer don’t reach their full adult size until they’re eight years old. 

What Is the Largest Whitetail Deer Catch in Ohio?

According to Ohio state records, the largest whitetail deer caught in Ohio was 328 2/8  inches (picked up by Bass Pro Shops). However, the second largest was 295 3/8 inches and was killed by Jonathan R. Schmucker. 

Whitetail deer are extremely common throughout the state of Ohio, inhabiting a variety of habitats like forests, brushlands, and croplands. The deer also feast on crops like wild crabapple, corn, Japanese honeysuckle, clover, grasses, acorns, and woody plants, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 

Due to the vast population of whitetail deer within Ohio, the state seeks to manage its inhabitants through proactive measures. Ohio’s Deer Management Strategy seeks to maximize recreational hunting while decreasing whitetail deer’s impact on Ohio’s agriculture and motor travel. However, Ohio has designated seasons, antler limits, and permits for hunting within the state. Hunters must also be ethical and respect private property. 

What Is the Largest Whitetail Deer Catch in the World?

The largest whitetail deer to ever be caught was 431 pounds (while field-dressed), likely over 540 pounds when killed. Canadian bowhunter John Annett of Ontario shot the deer in 1977.

Why Do Hunters Kill Whitetail Deer?

Hunters killed whitetail deer for a variety of reasons, including for recreational purposes and population management purposes. Additionally, they’re popular game to hunt given their size, the nutritious value of their meat, and the bucks’ large antlers.

States that house a large population of whitetail deer often have deer management programs in place to encourage the ethical and recreational killing of the animals. Many hunters will also eat venison for its nutrition and flavor.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Tom Reichner/Shutterstock.com