Black Deer ?

[accman]

My friend called me up on his cell last night acting like he's seen a ghost. He was staring at a black deer, nice rack, and couldn't believe his eyes. I've never heard of a black deer, but I know this guy was on the up and up and just wondering if anyone can verify such a sighting in there area. I've seen albino's, but black ones ?

[bluebird2]

Yes , there are black whitetail deer and they are rarer than albinos. One was shot several years ago in bucks County.

[BTBowhunter]

Melanistic deer are far more rare than albino deer but they do exist. They are often very dark brown and appear black from any distance.

As Bluebird said, there was one shot out east a few years back. The photos were posted here on HNI and if coincidences interest you, that black deer was taken by an African American hunter.

[accman]

Thanks for the info. He's kicking himself for not having his camera, but he said he's going to keep it in his car with a telephoto lens just in case he spots it again.

[BTBowhunter]

Tell him good luck and please post the pics if he's lucky enough to get some!