Any Idea what this is on these deer?
 

Have seen this on about three deer where I hunt. Anyone have any idea what is wrong with these deer and why it may be on three different ones? Or if I kill these when deer season arrives if they are safe to eat?

Not really a good enough picture to tell for sure, but it looks like just their coat changing from one season color to another.

That's what I was thinking also and then someone told me it could possibly be mange? I have three deer that I have seen that are like this and a buddy of mine has seen one deer on his camera the same way. Just trying to make sure its not a disease.

Okay, the picture is not great; but, it sure looks like mange !

I think they are just changing coats.

If it is possibly mange would they be sa few to eat if I killed them?

I'd say just molt. Are you up north?

Blew the pic up 400% on the big screen, and that deer is as bald as a cue ball. I'm going with mange. I wouldn't eat it.

I don't think that deer is bald. The picture just doesn't have enough pixels to show detail(hair) at 400%

Looks like red summer hair falling out with grey winter hair coming in to me

No im in NC but dont think they would already be shedding their summer coat and changing to winters already. Would it be wise to maybe email a wildlife officer this picture just to see what they think it is?

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. :)