Primarily a browser feeding on shoots, twigs, leaves, flowers, fruits, bark, stems, buds, acorns, and mushrooms. 1-3 Does form small family groups composed of a female, her fawns and her female offspring from the previous two years. Males are somewhat more solitary. The function of this deer's white tail is unclear, but it may serve as a visual signal that helps keep these groups together in thick forests. Senses of smell and sight are excellent.
Hearing is superb and the large ears swivel to detect sounds.
Antlers are grown by male white-tailed deer, rarely by females. During the first year, young males have nubs where the antlers will grow. In the second year, the antlers are short and straight or grow in forks. Eventually, the antlers will be 2 feet or more across with many branches and weigh 4-6 lbs. Antlers are made of solid bone and are shed annually.