I have a question - how bad is your deer fly/horse fly right now? I have seen this on some Northern WI deer but that was during heavy deer fly infestations.

Some reading for you
Link
http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/health/hair_loss/

JW

Couldn't hurt. I still say its just molt. The colors are right for it (red on top grey underneath and to me it looks like shedding hair rather than over grooming etc.

I don't think anybody can tell you for sure based just on that picture.

Our weather here in IL has been crazy cool for mid summer. What has the weather been like there?

We have been in the 50s at night here through July and August the low is 56 tonight.

Ok I guess I'll clear this up for ya... The deer is changing from its summer coat to its winter coat...

Surprises me how many "deer hunters" are totally clueless to what goes on in a animal life that they "hunt"... Oh boy

Winter coat molting to summer coat................we all got that.

Bald ? = not a good sign !!!

http://www.tinks.com/publisher/white...many-functions

I have cameras out on three different properties around Illinois and all the deer are starting to transition into winter coats. Its not a big deal at all. Wait about 6 weeks and you will see that those bucks will now have their winter coats almost on. If the coats look like this in 8 weeks, then you might have some issues, i HIGHLY doubt that though. I wouldn't give it a second thought though.

Unless you mean those things on their heads. Those are antlers and they can't be eaten but really tough. :)