Early Morning:
Morning Bed Time: In the early hours of the morning, usually around sunrise or shortly after, white-tailed deer often seek out secluded spots to bed down. This helps them avoid predators that are most active during the low-light conditions of dusk and dawn.
Mid-Day:
Daytime Bedding: During the middle of the day, deer may find a comfortable bedding site and lie down to rest, especially in areas with high temperatures or dense cover. They choose shaded spots, such as under trees or shrubs, to escape the heat and remain hidden.
Late Afternoon:
Afternoon Bedding: As the afternoon progresses and the sun starts to set, deer become more active. They may feed, move to different feeding areas, or return to previous bedding sites. Depending on the circumstances and their level of alertness, they might bed down again during the late afternoon.
Evening Bed Time:
Main Bed Time: The main bedding time for white-tailed deer usually occurs around dusk, just before sunset. This is when they are most vulnerable to predators, so they select locations that offer good visibility, escape routes, and some cover. They stay bedded throughout most of the night.
Night-time:
Staying Bedded: During the night, white-tailed deer typically remain bedded down, especially if they feel safe. They may occasionally get up for short periods to feed or move around, but they prioritize staying in their bedding sites to avoid predators.
Although these are the general patterns, the specific bedding behavior of white-tailed deer can vary based on their experiences and the particular circumstances they encounter in their habitats. They are known to adapt and adjust their bedding habits in response to hunting pressure, weather conditions, and changes in their environment.