how do deer sleep?
 

These may seem like silly questions, but I'd really like to know. Do deer sleep with theireyes closed? Do they lower their heads to rest like a dog would do? I've hunted for 40 years and have never heard anyone discuss it.

thanks

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

I've never been able to catch one napping personally , but I'd guess that they close their eyes like other mammals . The pics I've seen of sleeping deer usually showed them laying down with their head down .

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

kevin1

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I've never been able to catch one napping personally , but I'd guess that they close their eyes like other mammals . The pics I've seen of sleeping deer usually showed them laying down with their head down .exactly

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

I would have to agree totally with kevin1.

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

With one eye open!;)

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

They sleepcurled up with its head rested on its front legs and their eyes closed.

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

They get plenty of rest when their on my plate!!!!

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

I've walked up to deer in the dark that must have been fast-asleep because they friggen come-unglued when you get to about 10 yards and they wake-up. I'm guessing they sleep extremely light generally, but occasionally fall into a deep sleep like the "Bou" above.

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

havent you ever seen a used deer bed? they curl up and they do close their eyes but never go into a deep sleep. the do more resting then actual sleeping. they are always on alert

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

I walked up on a doe that was down and out.Scared the heck out of her.She jumped up and took off so fast she tripped over her own feet and rolled head over heels a couple of times.One of the funniest things I ever saw in the woods.BTW, her head was down and eyes closed.

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

I don't know how true this is but;

I was young at the time and a Deputy Game Officer once told me that "No split hoofed animal ever sleeps. They rest but they don't sleep."

Is this true, I don't know. That's what he said.

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

I wonder if they dream? - If so - I know of a couple that have nightmares!

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

I say they sleep best in the coolness of my freezer:D

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

With his favorite girl (Doe) by his side and plenty of friend around camp to watch for coyotes. HEHE

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

Here they lay in small groups in a circle to help detect coyotes
or other danger lerking around.

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

Are you sure it's all about coyotes - I thought they told stories about old man tom who couldn't shot straight if his life was on the line!

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

I've read that deer rest more than they do sleep. But yes, they will lay down and put their heads down just like a dog.......but I've never seen one sleep on its side or back in the spread eagle position though! haha Wish I could find that article I have about their sleep patterns....it's in my archives somewhere.

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

I want to thank everyone for their input. Now I know.

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

I watched two does and a button buck bed down about 60 yards from me one day. Watched them for about 4 hours. They curl up ad put their heads down to sleep. It looked like they closed their eyes through my binos. Not once did all three sleep at the same time. One was always awake and looking around. They took turns keeping watch.

RE: how do deer sleep?
 

This guy is in the "nodding" phase. This is what we do at work all day after a night of carousing with our buddies.


This guy is in a full blown blackout. It's been a long day of eating and ... well... eating.