Their numbers vary from just a few in some locations to overpopulation in others. Greatest numbers generally occur in the coastal plain, although there are locally heavy populations in other parts of the state. The mountains generally have the lightest populations. Deer are primarily woodland creatures, although they use farm lands or other open areas that are close to cover. Sometimes, deer can even be found in suburban settings.
Deer are vegetarians, feeding primarily on buds, leaves, branches, and fruits of trees and shrubs.
They also eat grasses, some field crops, and vegetables. As popular game animals, deer provide much recreation. In North Carolina, more than 275,000 people hunt deer and harvest more than 100,000 white-tails each year. The popularity of deer hunting has grown rapidly, along with the deer herd. If present trends continue, the deer population will expand further in many parts of the state, and the interest in deer hunting will also grow.