In These States, The Populations of White-Tailed Deer Is Exploding

White-tailed deer are one of the most common and recognizable wildlife species in North America. And in certain parts of the country, their numbers have gone through the roof. In this slideshow, we’ll take a closer look at 15 states where white-tailed deer populations are booming.

There are many reasons for their preservation. And farmlands, weather, abundance of food (or lack thereof), and game management all play a huge part in this.

On the flip side, we’ll cover a few places where deer don’t do as well, and the reasons why. So, whether you're a hunter, conservationist, or just a curious nature lover, this list will give you a clearer view of how deer fit into our world.

Let’s start off with the state that has the highest population. Texas is home to an estimated 5 million+ white-tailed deer. Its mix of private ranches, scrubland, and wooded terrain provides prime habitat. Hunting regulations and mild winters help keep populations healthy and high year after year.

There is more to Pennsylvania than the Amish population. They have thick forests of that are practically built for deer to thrive in. The state's game lands and reduced predators create a safe place for their population to grow. There are even some rural places where the population is too high to where it impacts the forest's ability to regenerate and for farmers to farm. The key to the balance needed is in hunting.

Well, with millions of acres of mixed farmland and forest, Wisconsin provides ideal conditions for white-tailed deer. This makes it an easy hunter’s paradise as they enjoy the complication of the forests to find them. Now, winter can be tough, getting to 20-30°F. But, regulated hunting helps to keep these numbers in check. 

Now, don’t get it twisted here. It’s not just the forests that make a good home for deer. Many white-tailed deer find themselves in suburban neighborhoods. The land and backyard gardens often offer shelter and food, which attracts the deer to it. The lower peninsula overflows with them more than the upper peninsula does.

Let’s head on down south to Georgia's mild climate and steady food supply. Now, thanks to agriculture and the soft winters, it makes it easy for deer to thrive in. Herd estimates reach over 1 million. Regulated hunting seasons are in place to prevent overpopulation of white-tailed deer, often causing damages to crops.

Mississippi’s forests and river systems provide excellent cover for white-tailed deer, which helps their population to grow. The state’s habitat and hunting programs encourage healthy herds. The state’s estimates show roughly 1.75 million deer roaming its woods, often unseen but heavily influencing the ecosystem.

Ohio’s overabundance of corn and soybean fields offers high-calorie meals for white-tailed deer. That, combined with random forest patches and mild winters, leads to packed herds. The state’s Division of Wildlife monitors the population closely to prevent damage to crops and trees.

Alabama has a perfect mixture of forests and farmlands. This means that they have an abundance of food plots for white-tailed deer to thrive in. The limited snowfall and long growing seasons mean that food is rarely scarce. The state maintains healthy numbers through well-timed hunting regulations as well.

Now, with harsh winters, one might think white-tailed deer would not flourish here. However, Minnesota still boasts a healthy deer population. The farmland and forest borders offer shelter and food. Population numbers will dip, especially during the colder years. But, strong wildlife management helps the population bounce back each spring.

The state has flat farmlands, which definitely don’t seem like prime deer territory because of the inability to hide. However, Illinois has dense wooded creeks and rivers that offer the cover that they need. With the agriculture feeding the herd, the population continues to rise.

South Carolina’s white-tailed deer don’t mind being close to people. The nearby suburban development and forests help the population thrive. The warm weather also plays a contributing factor to their rise in numbers as well. The state’s hunting helps keep numbers balanced in growing neighborhoods.

Iowa’s mix of crops and forests is ideal for deer growth. This state has limited natural predators and a steady stream of food from agriculture. This causes the deer populations to continually increase. Hunters come from all over for the chance to tag one of Iowa’s famous large bucks.

From the Ozarks to the Delta, Arkansas has a variety of landscapes where deer thrive in. With over a million deer, the state has a healthy balance of conservation and hunting to prevent car collisions in high-traffic rural areas.

New York might not be the first place you think of for deer. But, outside the city, the white-tailed deer are booming. Especially in suburban zones like Long Island and the Hudson Valley, the deer overpopulation is rising. And sometimes it’s too fast for comfort.

Now to take a look at places where we’re not going to find the white-tailed deer. The states like Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico aren’t great for white-tailed deer to live in. The ever-changing climates, sparse vegetation, and the limited water supplies don’t support the large herds that other states do. However, it is possible for you to find mule deer in these drier zones.