Upon first glance, while thumbing through this book, it might appear to you to be “Just a Big Glossary!” Yuck! But allow me to share with you, after getting past and beyond that first “perhaps- wrong” impression, just what it really is! The Definitive White-tailed Deer Book truly lives up to its name as “THE” book to define, explain, elaborate on, integrate, and inter-relate everything about the white-tailed deer! It is such a comprehensive, yet easy-to-read book, that you – the reader – will enjoy being taken on a journey into the world of Odocoileus virginianus -the white-tailed deer.
Here is the secret to success! The key to becoming knowledgeable about whitetails through reading this book lies in the “cf,” or cross-references found at the bottom of each term’s definition or reference point. Following where those cross-references take you is the magic formula to maximizing your whitetail knowledge, greatly expand your insights about, and gain a far greater appreciation for this amazing animal. It is extremely important for you to read ALL of the cross-references, because – together – they give you a complete picture and a comprehensive understanding about each of the topics that you are concerned about. Knowing how all the cross-referenced topics tie into your main topic of interest makes you into that well-versed and well-rounded expert on the white-tailed deer that others will want to be around, will openly request that you reflect upon your vast knowledge base to them, and subsequently boast of their association with you! So … do not let your future fans and followers down! You are on your way to earning your status as a “Venatic Fanatic” (An overly-obsessed whitetail expert) and join the ranks of “those in the know” about the amazing white-tailed deer!
Please be aware that my bias (aka: “First Love”) is for archery, but I “tolerate” firearm season coming around. In fact, I haven’t missed one in the last fifty (50) years! I just enjoy gun season a little less, mainly because the challenge is not so daunting (i.e. hard, difficult, etc.) to put venison in the freezer, when there already is some there because of my archery efforts.
WARNING: This book is written in “HUNTSPEAK” – the language of the deer hunter! You will notice that I use capitalizations; such as: Winter, Summer, Fall, Spring, Rut, Nature, etc. in my writings. Please do not be offended at this, but rather respect them as the Proper Noun names of these important seasons. This is just a little artistic license that I use as an author. Special points of emphasis are highlighted with BOLD PRINTED “WARNING,” “ADVICE,” “REMEMBER” or “CAUTION.” I also take the liberty of putting a possibly unfamiliar word’s meaning into parentheses; again for your understanding/enjoyment, rather than having to put the book down and search out a dictionary or miss out on what I am trying to tell you.
Whether you are an archer, a “shot gunner”, a handgun hunter, a rifle advocate, or just an extremely insightful and inquisitive person; one who wishes to know more about the white-tailed deer and its place in Nature, you will find this book to be extremely helpful in your quest to know more about and understand this wonderful and amazing animal – the white-tailed deer! Welcome Aboard!