Contributed Photo: “Deer of the Southwest: A Complete Guide to the Natural History, Biology, and Management of Southwestern Mule Deer and White-Tailed Deer” by Jim Heffelfinger
Book Looks At "Deer Of The Southwest"
Sunday, May 04, 2008 - 12:00 AM
BY Lee and J.J. MacFadden Send e-mail |
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Printer Friendly“Deer of the Southwest: A Complete Guide to the Natural History, Biology, and Management of Southwestern Mule Deer and White-Tailed Deer” by Jim Heffelfinger, 2006, Texas A&M University Press, $24.95, hardbound, 282 pages: Focusing on southwestern mule deer and white-tailed deer, this book is intended for hunters, although the nature enthusiast or amateur biologist may find it intriguing as well, whether they are hunters or not.
There are black and white illustrations, as well as photographs – it may be of note to the sensitive that some of these are of skulls – and there are also color photos of various plants that are important to deer, accompanied by more detailed information on the diet of this animal.
The author explores the classification of deer, the differences between species of deer and hybridization. A historical perspective on the hunting of the animal is given, including the methods used by Native Americans and other early cultures.
Arguably the more engaging part of the book, the third and fourth chapters deal with the physical characteristics of deer. This includes abnormalities such as the rare appearance of maxillary canine teeth – “fangs,” for the layman – something few people would expect in a deer. Pelage is examined, including the coats of albino deer, who have cream or pink hooves and even white antler velvet. While albinos do not see well, but most deer detect movement with ease and even see some colors: blue, green, yellow, yellow-orange and possibly borderline ultraviolet.
Deer can detect good acorns from hollow ones by smell alone. By testing a food item with their lips, a deer uses taste to tell whether or not the item is toxic, allowing the animal to spit out the food before any harm is done. Voice and alarm sounds (snorting and foot stomping) allow deer to communicate in various ways. It’s facts such as these which make this book fascinating for those not interested in hunting.
Chapter four delves into the subject of antlers: for instance, “Factors Affecting Antler Size” (such as nutrition and genetics), “Antler Function” (such as “protection against predators” and “scent dispersal”) and the “Antlered Does.”
The rest of the book deals with reproduction, deer population, water requirements, and the problem of managing deer population.
An appendix of plants eaten by deer in the southwest, an index and an extensive bibliography come at the end of the book. Heffelfinger is pro-conservation, and states that maintaining proper deer populations, as well as preserving deer habitat, is essential for future deer lovers to enjoy these beautiful animals.
Lee’s take: Holds a good range of information.
J.J.’s take: Appealing to a wide variety of people.
LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN are twins and voracious readers living in Bristol Tennessee. E-mail them at leeandjj.doubletake@yahoo.com.
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