A whitetail's coat and color tend to change throughout the year. The winter pelage is made up of both a short underfur and outside guard hairs. This dense layer of hair may weigh up to 2.8 pounds. This almost continual shedding and regrowth requires substantial amounts of protein and energy. Occasionally, deer have either all white, very dark brown or piebald coats.
White deer are usually albinos.
This genetic trait is sometimes prevalent in one area, but it is not common anywhere. Deer that have patches of both white and brown hair are called piebald deer. These animals may have a patchwork as extensive as that of a pinto horse, or it may be less pronounced. Dark brown or black, albino and piebald deer are legal game in Missouri. Gland secretions can describe a deer's social status, breeding condition and health.