Deer Hooves: Everything you need to know

Deer are interesting creatures and their hooves are no exception. Hooves are used for various tasks, from walking on all fours to climbing trees and even running on the ground. All of these activities require different hoof shapes and sizes, and deer use their hooves to adapt to their environment.

Deer hoof anatomy: It is made up of a tough outer layer called the hoof wall, which is made of keratin, and a soft inner part called the sole. The shape of a deer hoof is typically cloven or divided into two parts. This cloven hoof helps the deer distribute its weight and navigate various terrains with agility.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of deer hooves and what they’re used for. We’ll also discuss the various ways that deer use their hooves, both in the wild and in captivity.

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Seeing deer tracks while out hunting is a big thing. At least you know there are deer in the area. Deer hooves, on the other hand, leave a much more varied signature in the dirt. Deer hooves are formed of keratin, which is the same stuff as human fingernails.

Two divided, or cloven, extended toes make up the hooves. Two dew claws, positioned over and behind each deer’s hoof, are present. The outer layer of the hoof is tough and provides a solid base for walking. The inner part is softer and protects the hoof from sharp rocks and thorns.

Gazelles, sheep, pigs, cows, and goats are among the mammals with cloven hooves. Unless the deer is moving through mud or snow, a deer’s dew claws will not appear as part of its track.

The dew claws provide the deer with a larger and broader walking surface in these situations.

Running and leaping, stomping, defense, scraping, and the interdigital scent will all be done with deer’s hooves.

Deer Hooves: Everything you need to know

Running & Jumping

The legs of deer are clearly used to run and jump. Hooves, on the other hand, play an important part in a deer’s ability to run and jump. Strong hind leg muscles contribute to much of this.

When a deer jumps, its front cloven hoof helps it pivot and push off.

Deer couldn’t do it without their hooves, whether they’re running up to 40 miles per hour to escape predators, chasing during the rut, or leaping over eight feet in the air. Deer hooves have sheeted keratin that extends in all directions.

The hooves of many deer species are also covered in hair, and this can help them hold on to branches and other objects while jumping.

As a consequence, the hooves become tougher, harder, and more crack resistant than bone, making them capable of sustaining the animal’s weight while it is sprinting or leaping.

• The front toes of the hooves have toenails that help deer reduce the amount of ground that touches the feet, allowing them to cover a greater distance when they run.

Hoof Stamping (STOMPING)

When a deer notices your shape or movement or gets wind of your scent, you’re probably familiar with the “ole ‘foot stomp.” You’re sitting in a tree stand or a permanent blind when it happens. It senses the danger and hops over, curling up one foreleg before stomping its foot.

Deer may do this to either verify or alleviate their suspicions that there is no danger. The deer may sometimes escape, but if the hunter waits long enough, the animal will eventually settle down and allow an ethical shot.

Hunters can use binoculars or a spotting scope to see the head of the animal. The hunter should approach the deer slowly and carefully, ensuring not to alarm the animal. If the hunter is able to get close enough without alarming the deer, the hunter can aim his rifle with the scope.

• To try and scare themselves out of danger, deer will stomp their hooves.

Defense

People frequently mistake deer for defenseless animals in suburban neighborhoods, particularly. Don’t be deceived by their beauty and graceful motions.

Deer are naturally preyed upon by predators other than hunters. Wolves, coyotes, bobcats, and even bears and alligators are among the predators that may be found.

A deer may either flee or fight when a predator approaches or attacks. Bucks, like do, may rise up on their hind legs and use their hooves to attack predators, but they commonly employ their antlers to protect themselves. If necessary, they may also kick with their hind legs and hooves from behind.

• More than just leaving tracks, deer hooves can be found. They may be utilized by a deer to protect itself from predators and perceived threats.

Deer Scraping

The rut is a magical period for hunters. It’s that magical moment when a deer of a lifetime emerges from nowhere. Bucks are licking tree limbs and creating scrape marks while they rub them.

Hooves are also important in the deer scraping activities, as they give a buck the ability to chase does back and forth at high speeds. Bucks scrape more aggressively and will use the scrapes to communicate their presence in the region as well as to tell other bucks to stay out of it throughout the rut. Bucks and does alike will visit and utilize scrapes, although, during the rut, bucks scrape more forcefully.

While they travel across their land, bucks will create “scrape lines.” They may appear near feeding and bedding areas, as well as at field borders and fence lines.

Bucks will paw and scrap (clear) an area of leaves and debris to make it free. They’ll urine in the scrape to leave a scent that will identify their territory. Also, they’ll lick and gnaw on overhanging limbs, leaving a forehead scent in the process.

• Does will also come to these scrapes and utilize them, allowing bucks to determine if a doe is ready to be bred when they return.

Interdigital Scent

One of the most essential glands in deer is the interdigital scent glands, which are located between the two hooves on each leg. Deer rely on the scent of these glands to track one another.

The interdigital glands, which are tiny and bald, are located between the hooves on each foot. Sacs secrete a yellowish sebum. A deer’s footsteps leave a scent on the trail every time it takes a step.

• Compared to full-grown deer tracks, fawn tracks are much smaller. In comparison to a human thumb, the size of a fawn hoof print.

Whitetail Deer Hooves & Mule Deer Hooves

The look and motion of whitetail and mule deer differ significantly. Their antler structures are both unique.

The pronk or stot is a leaping gait that mule deer use. While escaping danger, whitetail prefers to run and leap rather than walk.

Hoof structure and tracks are nearly impossible to distinguish between whitetails and muleys, despite their differences. On the ground, both whitetail and mule deer have two hooves that create an upside-down heart shape with a rounded bottom.

They also have similar antlers, although the whitetails are smaller and more symmetrical. A mule deer’s antlers have a distinct curve on top, while those of a whitetail are straight.

The tips of the hooves are positioned towards the track’s interior, while the side of the hooves is convex. When it comes to hind feet, they are usually smaller than front feet, with the outside of the toe being somewhat bigger than the inside toe.

• Distinguishing between whitetail and mule deer is difficult without additional non-hoof signals.

HD in a deer

However, examining a deer’s hooves is rare, and it could be an indication of the animal’s overall health. Nevertheless, more hunters have posted photos of an illness known as “slipper foot,” which has grown more prevalent in recent years with widespread outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease (HD), one source of this abnormality in whitetails.

How can I treat a deer with “slipper foot”?

Hemorrhagic illness or a problem with supplementary feeding might be indicated by slipping hooves. When you kill a deer and take note of anything unusual, it’s best to check the deer from head to hoof.

Does this condition always cause serious issues for deer?

The appearance of stretched hooves, which often appear like the form of an elf’s shoe, gives the slipper foot its name. This circumstance is not always harmful for deer, but it may be a symptom of a systemic illness that the animal had.

Deer may have contracted and recovered from hemorrhagic illness in the case of several of the current debates regarding the slipper foot abnormality. A disturbance in hoof development will develop as a result of the creation of a high fever, which causes a hoof abnormality, in the chronic version of the disease (not to be confused with CWD), when an animal survives the initial onset.

The hoof can sometimes slough or break off in the slipper foot form, however, this is not always the case.

Deer Hooves: FAQ

What are deer hooves made of?

Deer hooves are made of keratin because it provides them with a strong and durable structure. Keratin is a tough protein found in many animal structures, including hooves, hair, and nails, offering support and protection for the deer’s feet during their daily activities and movements.

Are deer hooves sharp?

Deer hooves are not sharp. They are hard and pointed but not sharp enough to be considered a threat or a weapon. The hooves help deer walk, run, and maintain balance, but they are not designed for offensive purposes.

Do deer have toes?

Yes, deer have toes. Their hooves are divided into two parts, creating a cloven hoof structure with two distinct “toes” that help them move and navigate various terrains effectively.

Do bucks and doe have different hooves?

Yes, bucks and does have different hooves. Both have cloven hooves, but bucks typically have larger hooves compared to does due to their larger body size. However, the basic structure of their hooves is the same.

Conclusion

Hopefully, we were able to give you an informative look into how deer use their hooves. So, here’s one more thing to consider the deer tracks you discover will only tell you where the deer have been. Here’s to hoping they’ll tell you where they stop! Have a wonderful time!