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Home , Bighorn sheep, Collared peccary, Dall sheep, Mountain goat, Mule deer, Peccary

An Illustrated Guide to $1.00

BIG

Big Game Animals by Bill Stevens

Federal Cartridge Company 900 Ehlen Drive Anoka, MN 55303

3 © 1971, 1992, 2003 Federal Cartridge Company Contents PAGE

Introduction 5 White Tailed 6 Deer 7 Caribou 8 9 10 11 12 Musk Oxen 13 Bighorn 14 Bighorn 15 Dall’s Sheep 16 Stone’s Sheep 17 Mountain 18 Collard 19 Black 20 Brown or 21 22 23

Cover Photo: Desert Bighorn • Tom J. Ulrich

4 Introduction

When was first settled, as cats or may also be included. big game animals were found in all The hoofed game animals have three of the different types of . As different types of horns or . The the settlements grew and moved west- deer, moose, elk and caribou (fami- ward, large numbers of these animals ly Cervidae or “Deer”) have antlers. were killed and much of their habitat Except for some of the caribou, antlers was changed by agricultural and for- occur only on males. Antlers are a solid estry practices. As a result of this, the bone structure that are shed each fall populations of most species declined and regrown the following spring and and in some cases almost became summer. While the antlers are growing extinct. Only the deer, after a period they are covered with “velvet” which of extremely low numbers, increased is rubbed off in the fall. Contrary to the and established a larger population. belief of some, the number of points on Following the decline in the big game the does not give the age of the populations, various manage- . The antler size and number of ment practices were started. Some were points depend on the physical condition successful while others proved to be of the animal and the quality of food it tragic. An example of poor manage- has eaten. A healthy, young buck will ment was seen on the . frequently have more points than an In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt older buck that is in poor condition. set aside the Kaibab Plateau on the The true horns of the sheep, and North rim of the as the (family ) are perma- Grand Canyon National Game Preserve. nent structures that continue to grow was not allowed and predators throughout the life of the animal. Both were eliminated. With the removal of males and females have horns with the these limiting factors, the deer herd males’ horns being larger. The bighorn increased from about 4,000 sheep and mountain goats’ horns have when the preserve was established to an annual ring for each of growth. about 100,000 animals by 1924. This By counting the number of rings, the was far more deer than the food supply age of the animal can be determined. of the area could support. Thousands The pronghorn antelope (family of deer starved, leaving fewer animals ) has the third of than when the preserve was established. horns, which is a permanent, flat bony Some of the more successful manage- core with an outer sheath of modified ment practices were the establishment hair that is shed each fall. A new sheath of hunting seasons with limits and var- forms under the old sheath prior to ious restrictions, managing the habitat shedding. for better food, water and shelter con- Additional information on big game ditions and introduction of native and animals can be obtained from your exotic species to uninhabited areas. All State Fish and Wildlife Agency, the of these techniques should be carefully U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the considered before they are used in any U.S. Soil Conservation Service or your area. County Extension office. Libraries also Big game animals are commonly con- have books and pamphlets containing a sidered as hoofed- or wealth of information on these animals. animals. The clawed such

5 White-Tailed Deer virginianus Tom J. Ulrich

HITE-TAILED deer are the most buds of woody plants. Their diet varies common big game animal in North widely from area to area and also at WAmerica. They are found in a wide different times of the year. In the spring variety of brushy or forested . and summer a variety of green foliage As their name implies, the white-tailed is eaten. During fall, woody twigs deer have white hair on the under side and nuts are sought wherever they occur. of their tail. When the animal runs and The winter diet is mostly woody twigs bounds, the tail is carried up and the and needles. Mating habits of the white- white hair appears as a flag which can tailed deer can be described as polyg- be seen at long distances. Whitetails amous, one buck mating with several have good senses of smell, hearing and does. During the fall mating season or sight that they rely on for detecting dan- “rut”, bucks may fight for a doe. About ger in the brushy habitats in which they seven months after the mating, the live. The weight of the adult bucks var- fawns are born. The doe’s first born is ies from 125 pounds to more than 350 usually a single fawn. Older does have pounds and does weigh from about 100 two, three or even four fawns each year to 150 pounds. The Key deer of Florida with twins being the most common. The and the deer in Central fawns are spotted when America may weigh no they are born and remain more than 50 to 80 pounds hidden until they are old as adults. enough to follow the doe. White-tailed deer are browsers, feeding main- ly on leaves, twigs and

6 Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus Tom J. Ulrich

ESTERN North America is the their tail is shorter and less conspicuous. range of the mule and black-tailed Another difference is the way they run. Wdeer. They live in a wide variety of Whitetailed deer run and leap, carrying prairie, brushland, desert or mountain their tails up and mule deer bound with habitats. The larger mule deer are found a stiff legged gait, carrying their tails inland and have a black tip on the end of down. Mule deer and whitetails are sim- their tail. Its relative, the black- ilar in size. The larger bucks weigh over tailed deer, with a tail that is almost 350 pounds, but most weigh from 150 all black, lives in the coastal area from to 250 pounds. Adult does weigh from to . Mule deer in the about 100 to 150 pounds. mountains are usually migratory. They Like the white-tailed deer, the mule spend the summer at high elevations deer are browsers. During the summer, and return to lower elevations at the leaves and various forbs (flowering approach of winter. In prairie and desert herbs or weeds) are eaten. With the habitats, some mule deer may remain in approach of winter the diet changes to one area all year. Mule deer differ from buds, twigs and stems of woody plants. whitetailed deer in several ways. The In early spring grasses may be eaten, whitetail’s antlers consist when they are the only of tines raising from a plants available. Mating beam that curves forward. occurs from September to Mule deer have a main December with the fawns beam that fork upward being born from April to into two tines that may June. The mule deer does fork again on the larger give birth to one, two or bucks. Also, the ears of the three fawns. mule deer are larger and

7 Caribou Rangifer tarandus Tom J. Ulrich

HE history of caribou is similar to feed on the buried vegetation. There are that of the bison. They were import- two groups of caribou in North America, Tant to the Indians and Eskimos for food, the woodland and the barren-ground shelter and clothing and at one time the caribou. Barren-ground caribou, which population numbered in the millions. weigh from 275 to 375 pounds, spend With the coming of the white man, the the winter in the forested areas and population decreased. The effectiveness migrate up to 600 miles north to the of the rifle and forest fires were the tundra in the spring. They remain there main reasons for this decrease. The fires during the summer and return to the burned mature forests that contain the forests in the fall. Some barren-ground slow growing plants that are important caribou remain on the tundra all year. food for caribou. Some of these food The larger woodland caribou, which plants are , , sedges and weigh from 400 to 600 pounds, are various . Caribou are found in the found in the northern coniferous forests tundra and coniferous forests of northern the entire year. Caribou are polygamous. North America, and Asia. They During the fall rut, fighting is a common are the same species as the . The occurrence. Eight months after mating, word caribou is the Indian a single calf is born. name for “pawer”. This is Twins are uncommon. due to the caribou’s winter The calves are extremely feeding habit of pawing hardy and are able to a hole in the snow with keep up with the cows their broad front feet to within a few hours.

8 Elk canadensis Tom J. Ulrich

EFORE the colonization of North the mountains as the snow melts. They America, elk inhabited the forests, remain there the entire summer in herds. Bprairies and mountains from the Atlantic Cows, calves and young bulls are found to the Pacific and from to in herds while adult bulls remain alone Central Canada. As the continent was or in small groups. In the fall, when settled the elk population decreased, mating starts, the bulls collect a harem leaving only remnants of the original of as many cows as possible. The harem population in the mountains of western varies in size from a few cows to a North America. Since then elk have group of 20 or more, depending on the been live-trapped in Yellowstone Park, size and strength of the bull. The bull Jackson Hole and and spends most of his time defending the shipped to many other states. harem from other bulls. Sometimes other The first settlers in North America bulls will try to steal part of the harem gave the elk their name. In Europe, the or challenge the herd bull in combat moose is referred to as an elk. Some of for possession of the harem. Following the Indians called the elk “wapiti”. The breeding and with the approach of win- average weight of the elk is about 600 to ter, the elk move down the mountains to 700 pounds. Large bulls the valleys below. Here may weigh as much as they spend the winter in 1,200 pounds. an area of less snow. At Elk are both grazers and the present time, some browsers, eating various of the elk herds spend grasses, forbs, leaves, the winter on refuges or twigs and bark. At times, winter ranges which have they will compete with been acquired to provide domestic and winter food and to keep other game animals for the elk off private lands food. Elk are gregarious. where they may damage In the spring, after calves fences and haystacks. are born, they migrate up 9 Moose Alces alces Tom J. Ulrich

OOSE are found in the northern are smaller in the southern part of their forests of North America, Europe range. Here large bulls will weigh about Mand Asia. The word “moose” is an 1000 to 1200 pounds. Cows are small- Indian name meaning “he eats off” or er in size. They are generally solitary “twig eater”. This refers to their brows- animals with a good sense of smell ing habits. In the winter, moose feed and hearing, but have poor eyesight. on stems and twigs of trees and shrubs. Occasionally groups of three to six are During the summer, they feed on avail- observed in winter feeding areas. Under able green vegetation found on land the moose’s throat is the “bell” or dew- as well as on aquatic plants found in lap. This is a flap of skin that may be 10 streams and lakes. At times, the moose inches in length and serves no apparent will submerge to a depth of eighteen feet purpose. Moose are polygamous. Bulls to obtain the aquatic plants. sometimes fight for the cows during the Moose are the largest member of the fall rut. Eight months after mating one deer family in North America. In Alaska or two calves are born. a large bull weighs 1500 pounds. They

10 Pronghorn Antelope Antilocapra americana Tom J. Ulrich

RONGHORN antelope are native to A conspicuous characteristic of the the prairies of North America. At one antelope is the white rump patch. When Ptime, they numbered in the millions and the pronghorn is frightened or alarmed, were found on the open plains from the their hair stands erect and appears as a Mississippi River to the West Coast and white flash that can be seen for miles. from Mexico to central Canada. With The weight of the adult antelope buck is the settlement of the plains, the antelope between 90 and 140 pounds. Does are population was reduced to the point of about 20 pounds lighter. Antelope are near . Since then, proper man- mainly forb and browse eaters, especial- agement practices have been applied and ly sagebrush, with grass being a minor the antelope population has increased to food source. This may account for more the present size. antelope being found on cattle ranges The name pronghorn comes from the than on ranges grazed by sheep. Cattle pronged or sharply pointed of the eat the grasses leaving the forbs and male antelope. The females’ horns are browse plants for the antelope, while the smaller and more slender. Antelope have sheep and antelope compete for food. exceptional eyesight and speed. Their Antelope are gregarious. In the spring, eyes can be compared to bucks establish territo- high-powered binoculars. ries with small bands Their speed classes them of does, yearlings and as one of the fastest ani- fawns. From November mals. They can run as fast to February they are in as 50 or 60 miles per hour. mixed bands. About eight Antelope are reluctant to months after mating, one jump over objects. They or two kids are born. The will not cross a woven kids remain hidden with wire fence used for sheep, the doe feeding them but will crawl under or several times a day until through the barbed wire they are strong enough to strands of a cattle fence. travel with the adults. 11 Bison Bison bison Tom J. Ulrich

HE history of the bison or buffalo much. The cows are smaller, weighing is well known. It is estimated that at only about 800 to 900 pounds. Their Tone time there were 60 million bison in eyesight is poor, but they have good North America. Their range extended senses of smell and hearing. Both bulls from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from and cows have horns. They are grazing Mexico to Alaska. With the settling of animals that feed mainly on grasses. the country, they were killed in large During the late summer mating season, numbers until there were less than 1000 bulls are polygamous and do not gather bison left by 1891. Since then, the num- harems. Instead they form temporary bers of bison have increased with most pairs and breed with a number of cows herds being found only on preserves and each year. About nine and a half months private ranches. Buffalo are the largest after mating one or two calves are born. hoofed mammals in North America. A Within a short time the calf is able to large bull may weigh over 2000 pounds, keep up with the rest of the herd. although most bulls do not weigh that

12 Musk Oxen Ovibos moschatus Tom J. Ulrich

HE tundra of North America Bulls weigh from 700 to 900 pounds. is the range of the musk oxen. They Cows are smaller. Musk oxen are usu- Tare well adapted to this extremely cold ally found in herds with the exception and dry climate that has little rainfall of some bulls that remain apart from the and only about 10 to 30 inches of snow herd, either alone or in small groups. each winter. The snow becomes drifted When danger approaches, the herd forms in ravines and on hillsides, leaving some a circle, standing shoulder to shoulder areas almost free from snow. The musk facing outward. The calves are in the oxen feed on various grasses, shrubs center of the circle. Another way is and lichens that are found in these areas. forming a line facing the approach of a Their hearing is good and they have single enemy. During the fall rut a bull exceptional eyesight that is subjected to takes possession of the herd and chases a variety of changing lights. They are the other bulls away. Occasionally there able to see during the darkness of the is fighting between the bulls. A calf is winter months, the constant daylight of born about eight months after mating. the summer months, and with the glare Twins are uncommon. The calves are on the snow in spring. Both bulls and extremely hardy animals, with some cows have horns. Their being born when the hair consists of a short, temperature is below zero dense undercoat and a degrees Fahrenheit. They long, coarse outer coat. remain close to the cow The longer hair may reach and within a few weeks a length of two or three are eating the sparse veg- feet. They have small tails etation that is found on and short ears that are hard the tundra. to see due to the long hair.

13 canadensis canadensis Tom J. Ulrich

HERE are two subspecies of Bighorn they are living. sheep in the United States, Mexico Most of the year, bighorn sheep are Tand Canada. They are the Rocky found in separate bands of rams or ewes Mountain bighorn and the desert big- with their young. During the fall when horn. Before the coming of the white mating occurs, the males scatter and are man, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep found singly or with bands of females. were found over most of the rugged The bighorns are promiscuous. That mountainous terrain of western North is, the rams do not collect a harem, but America. Since that time their number breed with any ewe. Rams sometimes has been greatly reduced, leaving only fight over ewes. When fighting, the isolated populations. The decrease of the rams stand a few feet apart, facing bighorn population was mainly due to each other. They lunge at each other hunters, disease contracted from domes- with their horns, meeting with a loud tic livestock, and reduction of the food crack that can be heard for miles. These supply through competition with domes- charges may be repeated many times. At tic livestock. At the present time, the times, the rams will stand close together bighorn population is becoming larger and strike each other with their forefeet. through habitat manage- The victor remains with ment and reintroduction the ewe upon completion of wild bighorn sheep into of the “joust”. A single uninhabited areas. Their lamb is born six months diet consists of a wide after breeding. Twins variety of grasses, shrubs are uncommon. In a few and miscellaneous plants. days, the lambs are able The type of food eaten to keep up to the ewe as depends on the time of she navigates the rugged year and habitat in which terrain.

14 Desert Bighorn Ovis canadensis nelsoni Tom J. Ulrich

HE desert bighorn are found in the weigh only from 120 to 200 pounds, arid mountain regions of southwest- while the Rocky Mountain bighorn Tern United States and Mexico. Their dis- weigh from 150 to over 300 pounds. tribution is dependent upon the availabil- Ewes of both subspecies are one-half to ity of water. In some areas, waterhole two-thirds the size of the ram. The ears development and improvement have of the desert bighorn are longer and the been beneficial to the desert bighorn horns are thinner and less massive, with population growth and success. a more open curl. They feed on a wide The desert bighorn are smaller than variety of shrubs, grasses, herbs and the Rocky Mountain bighorn. The rams sedges.

15 Dall’s Sheep Ovis dalli dalli Tom J. Ulrich

HERE are two subspecies of Dall’s with good senses of smell, hearing and sheep found above the timberline sight and can see a moving object many Tin the mountains of northwestern North miles away. During the summer they America. They are the Dall’s sheep and feed mainly on grasses and forbs. In the Stone’s sheep. The main difference the winter they feed on the available between these two subspecies is their vegetation which may include browse. color. Dall’s sheep are white and Stone’s The social behavior of the Dall’s sheep are bluish gray. is similar to that of the bighorn sheep. Dall’s and Stone’s sheep are smaller They are found in separate bands except than Bighorns and have longer and thin- during the mating season when the rams ner horns with more of an outward flair and ewes are found together. As with on the tips. Thus they are sometimes the bighorns, there are frequent fights called “thinhorns”. or jousts between the rams. Six months Dall’s sheep are very alert animals after mating one or two lambs are born.

16 Stone’s Sheep Ovis dalli stonei Jim Shockey

HE Stone’s sheep’s range is in the weigh 220 pounds. Ewes are one-half northern part of to two-thirds the size of the rams. Their Tand the , which is south feeding and breeding habits are similar of the Dall’s sheep’s range of Yukon to the Dall’s sheep. Territory and Alaska. There is a varia- All four subspecies (Rocky Mountain tion in color of the sheep in the northern bighorn, desert bighorn, Dall’s and part of the range. These animals are Stone’s) are highly prized by the big more of a gray color to almost white. At game hunter. Because of the limited one time they were considered a separate number of permits and the rugged ter- subspecies and were called the Fannin. rain, it is very difficult for a hunter to The Stone’s sheep are slightly larger bag all four. The feat of collecting all of than the Dall’s sheep. Rams weigh as them is called the “Grand Slam”. much as 250 pounds, while the Dall’s

17 americanus Tom J. Ulrich

OUNTAIN goats are native to the horns. The male’s horns are about 12 high mountain slopes of north- inches long. The females’ are shorter Mwestern North America. They have been and more slender. The average weight successfully transplanted to mountain of the males is about 175 pounds with a areas of other states. When in danger, maximum of over 300 pounds; females the mountain goats rely on their sure are smaller. In contrast to other big game footedness rather than speed and will animals of the mountain, mountain goats climb steep and almost impassable often move upward during the winter to places to escape predators. The shape feed on exposed vegetation of the high of their hooves is the reason for their wind-blown areas. Grasses and forbs ability to climb the steep mountain sides. are their primary food, but they will eat The bottom of the hoof has a pad that most of the vegetation that is available. protrudes beyond the edge of the hoof, Male goats remain alone except during forming a convex surface that prevents the fall mating season. At that time, they the goat from slipping. Mountain goats join the bands of females and young. have good eyesight that can see a mov- Sometimes fights occur between the ing object at a long distance. They have males. Six months after mating, one or a dense under coat two kids are born. In a and a long outer coat of few days, the kids are hair that reaches 7 to 8 able to climb the steep inches in length. Both terrain with the females. sexes have sharp, slender

18 Dicotyles tajacu Tom J. Ulrich

HE collared peccary, sometimes lar in appearance. called javelina, are found in the They weigh about 30 to 55 pounds. Tbrushy semi-desert and humid forests of There have been stories about their southwestern North America and South fierceness. The peccary will usually America. They get their name from the run, but when cornered, will fight using ring or collar of white hair around their the sharp tusks in their upper and lower neck and the word “percari” which is the jaws. The food of the peccary consists of Brazilian name for animals that make , mesquite , , nuts and paths through the woods. The coloration miscellaneous vegetation. Much of their of the adult peccary is referred to as salt water is taken in the form of succulent and pepper. This is due to the black and vegetation. are gregarious. The white bands of color on each hair. A band may number from a few to 30 or musk gland that gives off a very strong more. The males, females and young are odor is found on their back about 7 or all found together. They are polygamous 8 inches above the tail. The purpose of and have no set breeding season. About this gland is unknown. They have good four months after mating one to two senses of smell and hearing, but poor young are born. The young are able to eyesight. The male and keep up with the band in female javelinas are simi- a few hours.

19 Black Bear Ursus americanus Tom J. Ulrich

LACK bear are residents of the fat is utilized during the winter hiber- woodlands in much of North nation. Actually, it is not a true state of BAmerica. Their color is not always as hibernation, but rather a deep sleep since their name implies. It may be a variety the body temperature remains high. of different shades of brown, cinnamon Bear are polygamous, usually mating or black. They have good senses of every other year. From one to four cubs, smell and hearing, but rather poor sight. weighing less than a pound, are born The size of the adult bruin varies from during the winter when the bears are in 200 to over 600 pounds. Being omnivo- the den. When spring arrives, the cubs rous, their diet consists mainly of grass- are large enough to leave the den with es, , insects and both fresh and the female. They remain with her until decayed meat. Large quantities of food they are eighteen months old and then are eaten during the summer and fall, they have to take care of themselves. until a thick layer of fat develops. This

20 Brown or Grizzly Bear Ursus arctos Tom J. Ulrich

T one time the grizzly and brown they are various shades of brown with bear were considered separate spe- some having white tipped hairs. These Acies. Recent studies indicate they are the bear have a good sense of smell that same species, but continue to be com- they use to locate their food which may monly identified as either brown or griz- be any meat or vegetable matter that is zly bear. The range of the available. In the summer the brown bear is along the Pacific Coast of Alaska and along the coast feed on the salmon that Canada. Grizzly bear are found in the enter the rivers to spawn. mountainous interior of Western North In the fall before hibernation, berries America. Their range has decreased in are the main source of food. The repro- size since the coming of the white man ductive process of brown bear is similar and at the present time there are only to the black bear. They may breed every limited numbers in the mountain areas other year, sometimes every three , of western North America, with the with the cubs being born in the den. The majority being in Alaska and Canada. cubs stay with the female for a year and Adult males will weigh from 800 to a half and then they have to take care of 1200 pounds. The females are smaller. themselves. As with the black bear,

21 Polar Bear Ursus maritimus Tom J. Ulrich

S their name implies, polar bear are Females are smaller. They have good native to the polar region of Europe, senses of smell and sight that they use AAsia and North America. They are found very efficiently to obtain food. Living on ice fields or on land along the arctic in the type of habitat that they do, their coastline. Polar bear are good swimmers main food is meat, with seals being the and at times are found many miles from most important source. At times carrion land or the ice fields. When swimming, or vegetable matter is eaten. Polar bear they use just their front legs, letting are solitary animals that travel most of their hind legs extend behind their body the time. The female has cubs every as a rudder. The average weight of the three or four years. The young stay with polar bear is about 1000 pounds. Large the female for two and a half years. males may reach 1600 pounds in weight.

22 Cougar Felis concolor Tom J. Ulrich

OUGAR have many different names. has changed. At one time they were Some of the more common ones are considered harmful to the deer popula- Cmountain lion, , panther, painter tion, which makes up the major source and catamount. They are found mainly of the ’ food and were shot in in wooded areas. Some are at sea level large numbers. Now some states consid- while others are high in the mountains. er them as a game animal and control At one time their range extended from the number that are taken each year by to Southern Canada. At licensed hunters. Only when they prey the present time, most cougar are found on domestic livestock are they killed as in the western part of North America. predators. Cougar are polygamous and However, there are also numerous have no set breeding season, although reports of cougar being seen in sever- most of the kittens are born in the al other areas in the United States and spring. Three months after mating, from Canada. The color of the cougar is gray- one to six spotted kittens are born, with ish brown or reddish. Adult males weigh the average being two or three. They between 140 to 160 pounds. The weight stay with the female for at least a year or of the adult females is between 90 and until they can take care of themselves. 110 pounds. The length Only when the offspring of the cougar is from 6 to are gone does the female 8 feet, which includes the have another litter. tail. The role of the cou- gar in the western states

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