 |
Life History and Reproduction | |
| Description Distribution Life History and Reproduction Threats and Mortality Diseases and Parasites Management Needs
Page created by Jeromy Norris |
The breeding season for mule deer in Texas takes place at almost the same time every year. This occurs in usually in mid-November. Mule deer have about a seven-month gestation period. After the gestation period one or two fawns will be born in early summer (Wilson and Ruff, 1999). Sexual maturity is usually reached at yearling age and the first offspring, usually a singleton, is produced when the female is about 2.5 years of age. Twinning is common among older females (Wilson and Ruff, 1999). After the young are born the mother will continue to nurse the young until the young are strong enough to follow at the heel of the mother. Most of the mule deer live to be about 6.5 years old, but some can live to be 7 and 8 years of age. |