Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

DEER BEHAVIOR
VOCALIZATION AND COMMUNICATION
Deer also use audible calls to communicate with each other.
Several different vocalizations have been analyzed and identified as
uniquely specific calls. The snort is probably the most recognized of
these calls (Miller et al. 1997). Deer usually make this shrill whistling/
blowing sound when alarmed and often stomp a front hoof. Most hunters
probably have heard this call at one time or another. Deer emit a
high-pitched bawl in situations of extreme distress. The bawl is a highpitched,
intense call often given by injured or traumatized deer.
Other calls include deep guttural grunts issued by dominant
deer of both sexes in an apparent effort to displace subordinates. Combinations
of grunting, snorting, and wheezing are much more aggressive
in nature and are typically issued by dominant males during the breeding
season. Bucks attempting to court a doe in estrous may give a low,
repeated tending grunt. Hunters may mimic this sound in an effort to
call in a buck.
Several calls are issued between does and their fawns. A low
maternal grunt call is given by a doe to communicate with her fawn and
a series of mews, bleats, and whines are issued from fawns attempting
to suckle their mothers or communicate some form of distress.
In addition to scent and vocal communication, deer use body
language and posturing to communicate. Most body language occurs
within the context of the social position an individual deer occupies in
the herd. Subordinate members of the herd, both male and female,
generally avoid physical contact with dominant members. Direct eye
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