September 17, 1804, below present-day Chamberlain, South Dakota.
A medium-size deer. Stocky body, with long, slim, sturdy legs. Tail white above and tipped with black. Height: 3–3.4 ft (90–105 cm); length: 3.8–7.5 ft (1.16–1.99 m); tail: 4.5–9 in (11.4–23 cm). Weight: male 110–475 lb (50–215 kg), female 70–160 lb (32–73 kg).
Mixed habitats: forest edges, mountains, and foothills.
Southern Yukon and western Northwest Territories (Mackenzie district) south through western U.S. to Wisconsin and western Texas.
Lewis and Clark were the first to officially name this common prairie animal.
