The NDA's mission in to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting We promote sustainable, high-quality deer populations, wildlife habitats and ethical hunting experiences.
NDA teaches deer hunters how to improve local deer populations, habitat and hunting experiences. To enhance the fun and excitement of deer hunting, NDA encourages the protection of most or all yearling (1½-year-old) bucks combined with an appropriate harvest of does, when necessary, to maintain a healthy population in balance with habitat conditions and hunter desires.
In 1987, a wildlife biologist from South Carolina named Joe Hamilton was invited to speak to the Australian Deer Association.
Impressed with their organization, Joe returned to the United States with an idea for a similar group in South Carolina. Following a series of meetings in coastal South Carolina in 1988, a core group of volunteers outlined the framework of a new group that would become the QDMA.
By joining the National Deer Association, you’ll receive Quality Whitetails, the only deer hunting magazine that focuses on Quality Deer Management techniques, including food plots, habitat improvement, herd management, herd data collection, and other methods for improving the quality of your hunting. QDM leads to more adult bucks in the woods where you hunt, so Quality Whitetails also provides guidance on how to effectively hunt these older, wiser deer.
In-depth Information
While DeerAssociation.com covers these same topics, Quality Whitetails goes into greater depth and detail on each subject. Award-winning wildlife photographers lend their whitetail imagery to articles written by the nation’s top experts in deer biology and habitat management – in a language that average deer hunters can understand and apply to their real-world hunting situations.
Popular departments like “Age This!” and “Food Plots” help keep your skills as a deer manager sharpened, and favorites like “Firepot Stories” provide the wit, wisdom and thought-provoking conversations like those you enjoy around your own campfire. Meanwhile, in-depth feature articles in every issue dig into the details of specific topics, going beyond the “101” level provided by most hunting magazines.
Why Are They Hiding?
When fawns are born, the mother takes several steps to carefully prepare the fawn for concealment from predators. First, the mother will take her time to clean the fawn to remove her own scent, but more importantly, she will actually consume the afterbirth, not only to reduce the risk of predation, but to recycle nutrients that are necessary for milk production. Within hours of birth, a fawn will begin to test its ability to walk, ultimately wobbling awkwardly along behind their mother on their way to the best available hiding spot. Once a safe distance away from the birthing spot, the fawn will instinctually lie down in cover. This all happens within about ten hours of birth. Quite the fast learner!
The National Deer Association is the leading conservation organization dedicated to conserving North America’s favorite game animal.
We are hunters from all walks of life who share a passion for wild deer. We believe it is our responsibility to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. As the authority on all things deer, we blend the art of hunting with the science of management to create better deer and better deer hunting.
Fawns rely heavily on their mothers for the first several weeks, but you might be surprised how quickly they grow.
When Do They Stop Hiding? The early stages of development are extremely important to the overall survival of a fawn, so ensuring their safety by leaving them alone and not causing additional stress to the fawn or it’s mother is crucial.
Deer Reports
We hope our Deer Report helps you stay informed about the threats, concerns, successes and challenges that will shape wild deer’s immediate and long-term future – and that of deer hunting. If you appreciate the information found in our report, and you support our efforts to ensure the future of deer hunting, we hope you’ll consider supporting the NDA by becoming a member today. Thank you!
Index of Topics:
Looking for a specific topic covered in a past Deer Report? You can now download an interactive index of topics that covers every Deer/Whitetail Report published to-date.
Past Reports:
- 2021 Deer Report (PDF; 68 pages)
- 2020 Whitetail Report (PDF; 68 pages)
- 2019 Whitetail Report (PDF; 72 pages)
- 2018 Whitetail Report (PDF; 68 pages)
- 2017 Whitetail Report (PDF; 60 pages)
- 2016 Whitetail Report (PDF; 57 pages)
- 2015 Whitetail Report (PDF; 68 pages)
- 2014 Whitetail Report (PDF; 64 pages)
- 2013 Whitetail Report (PDF; 68 pages)
- 2012 Whitetail Report (PDF; 60 pages)
- 2011 Whitetail Report (PDF; 96 pages)
Many of the greatest joys in my life have come amidst deer, deer hunters, and deer habitat, so my decision to support the National Deer Association is an easy one.
Mark Kenyon
Wired to Hunt
As a company that makes gear for sportsmen and women, it’s in our best interest to support those protecting our wildlife and our hunting heritage. We sponsor the NDA because they are the leading voice for deer and deer hunters in North America.
Ford Van Fossan
NDA Partner, First Lite
Secure Our Heritage
The future of deer hunting needs sustainable, healthy deer populations and quality hunting opportunities on public and private lands. Help us secure our deer hunting heritage.
We are hunters from all walks of life who share a passion for wild deer.
Your support enables our Field to Fork initiative.
Knowledgeable, ethical hunters help us all improve and protect deer hunting.