HABITAT IMPROVEMENT. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. As the crisp mornings at Deer Haven Park turn to colder days, the deer and wildlife within the park will enjoy much quieter weekends as the 2020 Auto Tour season comes to a close. Even Mother Nature showed her support when she stopped the rain just minutes before the tour began, and then showed us the sun to escort us back to the Visitor Center. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 2020. The Army continued using the Depot for over 50 years, so public access to the base was limited and rare. WHITETAIL BIOLOGY. And now, like me, you know the story behind an unusual whitetail, the Seneca White Deer. Dennis took this picture of one of our visitors from New Zealand last week! QDMA NEWS. ... Quality Deer Management Association P.O. Saturday, November 14th will mark the end of the 2020 Auto Tour season. In an email this week, the group announced they will continue their commitment to working on positive conservation projects as well as educating the public on the value and importance of wildlife and habitat. FOOD PLOTS. The Seneca White Deer are a naturally occurring variation of the common brown-colored white-tailed deer. QUALITY DEER MANAGEMENT. These Seneca white deer lived on a 12,500 plus acre parcel of Seneca County known as the Seneca Army Depot. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Explore Deer Haven Park on a Tractor-Drawn Wagon You have seen the park from the comfort or your vehicle. Thank you to everyone who came out for our 2020 "Explore Deer Haven Park" Wagon Tour. White Deer Tours End. A white deer at the Seneca white deer habitat at the Old Army Depo. Starting June 27, the park says visitors can see the white deer … HERD MANAGEMENT. Deer Haven Park: Seneca White Deer Tour - See 514 traveler reviews, 128 candid photos, and great deals for Romulus, NY, at Tripadvisor. Deer Haven Park, which Martin created after buying thousands of acres of former depot land from the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency, has … Wagon Tour through the Historic Seneca Army Depot. Stakeholders have already started planting soybean to improve the habitat and reverse the falling deer numbers. April 2, 2019 | By Brian Grossman April 2, 2019 | By Brian Grossman Advertisement CATEGORIES. They’re one of the largest herds of white deer anywhere in the world. The 7,000-acre, fenced-in Seneca Army Depot is being put up for auction, so some groups are trying to get the Amish, Native Americans, and other non-profits to save the future of the rare animal. Undergraduate. In addition to the unique and majestic Seneca white deer herd, it holds a mysteriously rich military history. The white deer have lived peacefully in the 7,000-acre Seneca Army Depot since it was first erected in the 1940s. Courtesy of Dennis MoneyHandsome Hank grazes next to the fence off Route 96A.I received the following email today from Dennis Money, president of Seneca White Deer… The Seneca white deer are a rare herd of deer living within the confines of the former Seneca Army Depot in Seneca County, New York. The pre-screening shall be relative to recent travel, illness and/or exposure to COVID-19. Explore Deer Haven Park. Blacktail deer are considered a subspecies of mule deer, which are common throughout much of the West. Romulus, NY 14541 The Depot holds a unique place in the history of conservation studies, particularly concerning deer population management, said wildlife photographer and Seneca White Deer member Leland Brun. Located in the former Seneca Army Depot in the Town s of Romulus and Varick, at the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes Region, the 3,000-acre preserve is managed to accommodate the largest herd of white whitetails anywhere. In the 1950’s, the first white deer were seen within the Depot and due to military protection, proper habitat management and an annual, managed hunt, today constitute the world’s largest herd of white deer. Friends of QDMA ... Quality Deer Management Association P.O. Home to the Majestic Seneca White Deer Deer Haven Park is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Seneca White Deer will be reaching out to any donors about their contributions, and are refunding 2020 tour deposits. They are also closely related to the white-tailed deer, well-known throughout the eastern and Midwestern U.S. Habitat: Blacktail deer are particularly common on the edges of forests where there is adequate shelter and ample meadowland. Soon after, the County developed about 3000 acres to include several businesses, government offices & institutions and industry. ADVANCED HUNTING. FOOD PLOTS. QUALITY DEER MANAGEMENT. I was able to tour Seneca White Deer Park at the Seneca Army Depot, which has quite an amazing story. I’m talking about Deer Haven Park, home of the Seneca White Deer. The future of the property became uncertain. A work in progress. The additional 5 weeks will allow visitors to take the Majesty & Mystery Auto Tour throughout the fall foliage season. ADVANCED HUNTING. To be clear, leucistic deer are not albino. Hundreds of rare white deer living at the Seneca Army Depot are in danger of dying if the animals lose their protection by the Army’s fences. In 201. , Earl Martin purchased the Depot with plans to expand Seneca Ironworks. Time: 3pm - 5pm - Arrive between 2:15pm and 2:45pm - Boarding begins at 2:45pm. Now step off the wagon and discover the historic Seneca Army Depot up close and personal. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Fee: Adults $25 (13 +) Children $12 (12 and under) The white deer of the Seneca Army Depot became legendary to New York wildlifers and outdoorsfolk from all walks. Imagine yourself on a solo hunt, and you’ve arrowed a big whitetail. One of the most interesting things about whitetails is the great variety in their appearance. Deer Haven Park is home to world's largest herd of white, white-tailed deer which are normally brown colored. When animals exhibit leucism, pigmentation is absent only from their skin, hair, fur, feathers etc. We have not only promoted Seneca County and the Finger Lakes, but we helped educate the public on the value of wildlife and habitat. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The story of this herd began in 1941, when the now defunct Army Depot was constructed, and along with it a fence that ran its perimeter. Other white deer herds exist in protected environments, including white fallow deer in Ireland, but none of those herds are as large as the white, whitetail deer of the Depot. Over five-hundred concrete “igloos” were erected as storehouses for munitions. HUNTING 101. His first white deer! Page 2 – August 2015 | Finger Lakes Institute Recommendation Report following White Deer / Seneca Army Depot Summit RECOMMENDATIONS 1) Biology study: Hire a wildlife consulting firm or reputable consultant to determine actual biological requirements of white deer, including habitat characteristics, space requirements, Until then, guests can experience Deer Haven Park during the off-season by booking a Private Bus Tour. Book a Private Tour of Deer Haven Park. At that time, Base Commander Colonel Frank Kemble Jr. issued an order that protected the white deer from harvest. The story of this herd began in 1941, when the now defunct Army Depot was constructed, and along with it a fence that ran its perimeter. Everyone had heard of the base’s white deer, but few had seen the animals up close. The park does not contain good habitat for white-tailed deer, and the low deer numbers have not changed following wolf reintroduction. The site also has extensive forest and some wetland habitat, and supports a population of white deer. We will guide you through the unique habitat of Deer Haven Park where you will experience its vastness and the … More Wagon Tour through the Historic Seneca Army Depot, Deer Haven Park will remain open beyond Columbus Day, offering Self-Guided Auto Tours Every Saturday through November 14, 2020. White deer are ordinary white-tailed deer with an extraordinary color. ADVANCED HUNTING. Starting in November, visitors can see the Seneca White Deer. The white deer, protected by 24 miles of rusting chain-link fence, are a variant of the brown-hued white-tailed deer that live wild in upstate New York, and are not albinos. In 2016, after years of neglect, the privately owned organization Deer Haven Park purchased most of the old base and set aside a 3,000 acre preserve where the Seneca white deer, American Bald Eagles and other wildlife can thrive. April 2, 2019 | By Brian Grossman April 2, 2019 | By Brian Grossman Advertisement CATEGORIES. Thank you to everyone who visited Deer Haven Park amidst the global pandemic. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The tickets sold for these tours provide the funding to operate the preserve. Seneca White Deer herd. … The well protected depot harbored both arms and a unique herd of white White Tailed Deer, and it's Colonel at the time should be credited with impressive foresight [...] He should be recognized as a visionary! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Seneca White Deer, Inc., proposes to sell “lottery tickets” to prospective hunters of the white deer at various gun shows throughout the country. but not the eyes. The year began with a world pandemic. White-tailed deer are usually reddish tan in summer and brownish gray in winter. Deer Haven Park is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. FOOD PLOTS. Date of experience: April 2018. I’m talking about Deer Haven Park, home of the Seneca White Deer. HERD MONITORING. In accordance with local and state regulations, all guests and staff members of Deer Haven Park are required to wear a protective face covering while inside buildings and any time when safe social distancing cannot be maintained outdoors. This propensity for white coloration has resulted from prescribed protection of these deer from hunters, an absence of predators which might otherwise find them with ease, and the enclosure of the entire property. HUNTING 101. Seneca White Deer Featured. Dennis Money of Canandaigua, who in 1997 founded Seneca White Deer, Inc. (SWD), a group dedicated to saving the herd and the depot's military history, said … QDMA NEWS. The development of this arms storage facility helped to ensure the supply of weapons for our troops during World War II. In the late 90s, news spread that the Depot would be closing and ownership would be transferred to the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). This crown jewel of a natural resource, if properly managed, can bring significant economic growth to Seneca County and the Finger Lakes. Nestled between the two largest of the Finger Lakes, it occupies a place formerly known as the Seneca Army Depot. In 2016, Earl Martin purchased the Depot with plans to expand Seneca Ironworks. Later, in 2016 the newly established business entity, Deer Haven Park, LLC purchased the remaining 7,000 acres. HERD MANAGEMENT. What: A Tractor-Drawn Wagon ride through Deer Haven Park, stopping along the way to explore some key points of interest from the historical Seneca Army Depot and earlier. , at the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes Region, the 3,000-acre preserve is managed to accommodate the largest herd of white whitetails anywhere. He and his wife, Amy, reside in Cortland, N.Y. Go "Beyond the Fence" now with freelance author Dee Calvasina! We will offer a rare glimpse into the breeding and migratory songbirds, birds of prey and their habitats of … This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Albino animals lack the pigment melanin throughout their bodies, giving them the characteristic pink eyes that many are familiar with. HUNTING 101. QUALITY DEER MANAGEMENT. We will guide you through the unique habitat of Deer Haven … It was commissioned by the US Department of Defense in response to the beginning of WWII and was originally dubbed the Seneca Ordnance Depot. Saturday, November 14th will mark the end of the 2020 Auto Tour season. Mule deer are abundant, numbering about 2000 or 3000, but they migrate out of the park in winter, escaping some of the most intense wolf predation. Tours were guided by ... Eagles nest, other wild life in its own habitat. Seneca White Deer Featured. They derive their name from their broad, 10 to 11 inch long tail. April 2, 2019 | By Brian Grossman April 2, 2019 | By Brian Grossman Advertisement CATEGORIES. SfM (Structure from Motion) Photogrammetry of Seneca Army Depot: Analysis of Seneca White Deer Habitat and Population Characteristics. Join us on a tour and discover the Majesty and Mystery of Deer Haven Park! The future of the property became uncertain. "Beyond the Fence" is a monthly column in The Finger Lakes Times that is centered around the property formerly known as the Seneca Army Depot, and now Deer Haven Park. Seneca White Deer is also working with Seneca County to establish a long-term historical exhibit in the county office building and building a nature trail at Sampson State Park. All this started in 1941 when this location was better known as the Seneca Army Depot. Additionally, special tours that involve members of the public from more than one social group will require that all participants and staff successfully complete a pre-screening prior to taking the tour. One of the most interesting things about whitetails is the great variety in their appearance. Since deer and other wildlife are generally more active during the cooler months of fall, the … More Deer Haven Park Extends Its Season, Terms & Conditions - Privacy Policy - Cookies Policy, Deer Haven Park Tours "One of the primary things we need to do is improve habitat and food availability to help bring the deer back up to the numbers there were before," Dennis Money, who heads Seneca White Deer… With this reality, the white deer … HERD MANAGEMENT. This put the property back to use and brought jobs to the area – but the deal also came with a secure future for the white deer. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. But sometimes, good things arise from bad situations. HERD MANAGEMENT. Dennis Money, Seneca White Deer Inc. President explained, "The land here was an Army munitions depot from WWII until 2000. This means that they can adapt to a wide range of habitats. The most interesting example of white deer protection is Seneca Army Depot in New York. April 2, 2019 | By Brian Grossman April 2, 2019 | By Brian Grossman Advertisement CATEGORIES. In the Seneca White Deer's case, that journey has been one of decades. Built in 1941, the Seneca Army Depot covered over 10,000 acres of central Seneca County. Regional differences in size and anatomy, the seemingly limitless variations in antler characteristics and occasional abnormalities like vestigial ivory teeth have long fueled fascinating conversations around deer camp. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. “To me, the importance of the white deer is that they will get people excited about the outdoors again,” said Money, “It helps them to appreciate habitat for all wildlife.”. Regional differences in size and anatomy, the seemingly limitless variations in antler characteristics and occasional abnormalities like, Located in the former Seneca Army Depot in the Town. Seneca White Deer, Inc. continues to operate as an advocacy organization for the white deer and the other wildlife of the former Depot. It wasn’t until after the war had ended that, in 1949, the first white deer was observed on the base. The color is a genetic trait and is inherited but is extremely rare. This regulation remains in effect in at least three states and parts of two others. During this time period, there were no hunters or predators around to hurt the deer. Dennis Money, a QDMA member and one of the original founders of Seneca White Deer, now President of the organization, reminded me that while the rare white deer provide the draw for tourism, the park is a refuge for a multitude of native wildlife. Dennis Money, Seneca White Deer Inc. President explained, "The land here was an Army munitions depot from WWII until 2000. He said he wants to work closely with Seneca White Deer, Inc, and other groups to make that happen. 5479 NY-96A The tours run by Seneca White Deer, Inc. (SWD) were a wonderful experience! You’ve found the animal, tagged it and taken pictures. Of the 7,000-acre depot, 3,000 acres became Deer Haven Park. You also receive four issues of our award-winning hunting magazine – Quality Whitetails! I was able to tour Seneca White Deer Park at the Seneca Army Depot, which has quite an amazing story. Built in 1941, the Seneca Army Depot covered over 10,000 acres of central Seneca County. The white deer at the depot are not known to exhibit any of the deformities sometimes associated with piebaldism or leucism in whitetails. Seneca White Deer Tours ran its first official tour on November 16, 2017. The theory was that “white deer are just as apt to get the disease as brown deer,” but overlooks the incredibly small number of white deer that are in the CWD zone and elsewhere. A white deer. Guide was also well versed in the use of the land as an ammunition storage area in WW II. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps people in your community and around the world build or improve a place they can call home. Eventually, the property could be sold into private ownership. In 1995, the Seneca Army Depot announced that it was closing and that the land would revert to the County. When alarmed, white-tailed deer raise their flaglike tail, displaying the white underside. This could be you! but not the eyes. Hand sanitizing stations are available in the Visitor Center and restroom facility. The safety of every Deer Haven Park staff member and guest is our primary mission. Here, Seneca White Deer offers bus tours to the public out of their visitor center. This announcement fostered a looming question and concern about what would happen to the special herd of white deer. We sincerely appreciate your understanding during this global pandemic and look forward to a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone! Then a flash of white catches your eye. With the fate of the white deer in the balance, a small group of conservationists formed the nonprofit know, After years of searching for the right private buyer, the IDA struck a deal with a local businessman. QUALITY DEER MANAGEMENT. The white deer of Seneca Depot,in Seneca County NY USA, are stunningly beautiful and only number about 200. Donate, volunteer and raise your voice in support of decent and affordable housing. Many of the deer in this herd exhibit leucism, the genetic trait which causes a lack of pigmentation, resulting in deer which are white as snow. Hundreds of rare white deer living at the Seneca Army Depot are in danger of dying if the animals lose their protection by the Army’s fences. Recently, I had the opportunity to check out a herd of deer in which an unusual trait has become common. Now step off the wagon and discover the historic Seneca Army Depot up close and personal. OFFICIAL SITE OF THE SENECA WHITE DEER Offering Military History and White Deer Tours Every Saturday! The Depot was the US Army’s main East Coast munitions storage facility until it was decommissioned in 2000. Now step off the wagon and discover the historic Seneca Army Depot up close and personal. As the population grew, and the acreage of the enclosure did not, it became necessary to hunt deer on the base to prevent their starvation – but protection for white deer remained. ROMULUS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Bus tours are on hold at Deer Haven Park at the former Seneca Army Depot. Tim earned his forest resources management degree from SUNY-ESF and previously worked as a forest technician at Forecon Inc. and F&W Forestry Services, where he marked and scaled timber, inspected logging operations and conducted forest inventories. To be clear, leucistic deer are not albino. HERD MONITORING. A New Clue in the Unsolved Mystery of Bullwinkle Deer, Bad Teeth: The Strangest Deer Jawbones in QDMA’s Collection, This Strange Buck Was a Throwback to Extinct Whitetail Ancestors, 10 Weird Whitetails Join The Freak Deer Collection, Melanistic Whitetails: Here’s What We Know, Greenbrier Vines Ensnare and Kill a Young Doe. During this time period, there were no hunters or predators around to hurt the deer. They are commonly found in temperate forests, partially wooded lowlands, open prairies, savannahs, mountains, tropical forests, and wetlands. HABITAT IMPROVEMENT. Dear Birders: The Montezuma Audubon Center and Seneca White Deer would like to invite you to a unique birding experience this spring at the former Seneca Army Depot. QDMA NEWS. We will guide you through the unique habitat of Deer Haven Park where you will experience its vastness and the […]. The 7,000-acre, fenced-in Seneca Army Depot is being put up for auction, so some groups are trying to get the Amish, Native Americans, and other non-profits to save the future of the rare animal. Some of the white deer of the Seneca Army Depot are “piebald,” having both white and brown blotches of hair. Loss of genetic diversity due to fragmentation of their habitat is also a cause for concern, as well as competition with goats and other feral animals. Courtesy of Dennis MoneyHandsome Hank grazes next to the fence off Route 96A.I received the following email today from Dennis Money, president of Seneca White Deer… Operating: SWD is now focused on becoming the leading conservation organization for the Finger Lakes region of New York. If you would like more information on Photography … These cookies do not store any personal information. During construction of the 24-mile-long perimeter fence that surrounded this Ordnance Depot, several dozen white-tail deer were trapped inside, isolating them from predators. Thank you all for a great experience! White-tailed bucks weigh 150 to 200 … This year, we’re doing a “Protect the Habitat” drive, where all the gifts we receive will go to the care and feeding of this amazing herd. When we were unable to continue the Deer Haven … More Last Chance for Auto Tours, Explore Deer Haven Park on a Tractor-Drawn Wagon You have seen the park from the comfort or your vehicle. Today, the Army is gone but many of the Majestic Seneca white deer remain to roam freely within the fences, and what is left of the abandoned Seneca Army Depot. Eventually, the property could be sold into private ownership. When animals exhibit leucism, pigmentation is absent only from their skin, hair, fur, feathers etc. FOOD PLOTS. But sometimes, good things arise from bad situations. HABITAT IMPROVEMENT. Of the 7,000-acre depot, 3,000 acres became Deer Haven Park. In 2003, the US Military turned the property back over to the Seneca County IDA. HABITAT IMPROVEMENT. Seneca White Deer Tours ran its first official tour on November 16, 2017. Albino deer, which lack only the pigment melanin, have pink eyes and are extremely rare. June 27, 2020 – November 14, 2020. Seneca White Deer has launched a fundraising drive in hopes of buying at least 2,000 to 3,000 acres, if not the whole site, for a tourist attraction and wildlife preserve, Money said. With this reality, the white deer herd has grown. As we near the end of 2020 it is proving to be a tumultuous year to the end. Distribution of the Whitetail Deer HERD MONITORING. And for that, I'm very happy." Having formerly been maintained as a military base, much of the area is successional habitat. ROMULUS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Bus tours are on hold at Deer Haven Park at the former Seneca Army Depot. But this isn’t a high-fence game farm; and the fence wasn’t built to keep wildlife in. According to the NY GAP data, approximately 80% of the site is shrub habitat, which includes old field/pastures, shrub swamps, successional hardwoods, and successional shrubs. Located in the former Seneca Army Depot in the Towns of Romulus and Varick, at the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes Region, the 3,000-acre preserve is managed to accommodate the largest herd of white whitetails anywhere. Over five-hundred concrete “igloos” were erected as storehouses for munitions. Hopeful rubbernecks would drive past the preserve to catch the occasional glimpse of the ghostly animals through the Depot’s fence. It also states that preserving the White Deer and their habitat is a … After more than 70 years of locked gates and secrecy, Deer Haven Park offers a glimpse into this mystical place. Now step off the wagon and discover the historic Seneca Army Depot up close and personal. This put the property back to use and brought jobs to the area – but the deal also came with a secure future for the white deer. When the 10,600-acre (43 km 2) depot was created in 1941, a 24-mile (39 km) fence was erected around its perimeter, isolating a … WHITETAIL BIOLOGY. White deer qualified as rare, so many state game departments prohibited hunters from killing them. Albino deer completely lack melanin and have pink eyes. To be clear, leucistic deer are not albino. A group of two white (non-albino) Northern white-tailed deer and a brown deer viewed during a White Deer Tour of the Seneca Army Depot near Romulus in Seneca County, Oct. 24, 2009. Where: Welcome Center located … We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 7,949 But, the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has announced that it will soon start accepting bids on … He formerly served as QDMA’s Young Forest Specialist in New York. The white deer at the depot are not known to exhibit any of the deformities sometimes associated with. In an email this week, the group announced they will continue their commitment to working on positive conservation projects as well as educating the public on the value and importance of wildlife and habitat. We have had a lot of positive feedback from guests who said they enjoyed the tour and found it informational and fun! Friends of ... Quality Deer Management Association P.O. Box 160 … ... Quality Deer Management Association P.O. The main threats to Sika deer include water pollution, habitat loss, and hunting for their meat, as well as their antler velvet, which has a use in traditional medicines. Youve been seeing these deer a lot more lately, so you hardly take notice. One of the first things he plans to focus on, he said, is improving the habitat. The good news, though, is that they amended a resolution to require that the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) listen to the Board of Supervisors' suggestions regarding the Seneca Army Depot. 5) Seneca White Deer, Inc. (a not-for-profit corporation), proposed a “conservation park” that would allow an annual hunt of a set number of white deer annually. Your support enables our mission: Ensuring the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. The year began with a world pandemic. They are white or mostly white in color. We look forward to more Wagon Tours in 2021! Upstate NY fishing tale: 'I wanted to catch a muskie and bury it with my father' ADVANCED HUNTING. QDMA NEWS. Over time, the proportion of white deer in the herd increased. In 1941, the United States War Department built a 10,000+ acre munition storage and disposal facility in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, in central Seneca County. Explore Deer Haven Park on a Tractor-Drawn Wagon You have seen the park from the comfort or your vehicle. Seneca White Deer has launched a fundraising drive in hopes of buying at least 2,000 to 3,000 acres, if not the whole site, for a tourist attraction and wildlife preserve, Money said. They can also learn their fascinating history on the bus tours of the herd’s isolated Finger Lakes habitat. When: November 1, 2020. As of January 1, 2020 Seneca White Deer Inc. (SWD) is no longer conducting white deer tours at the former Seneca Army Depot. All this started in 1941 when this location was better known as the Seneca Army Depot. We will guide you through the unique habitat of Deer Haven Park where you will experience its vastness and the […] For decades they have thrived and wowed the locals. As a NDA member, you’ll also gain many hunting benefits including better hunting success, more deer knowledge, and more fun! White-tail deer are extremely common and widespread because they are generalists. Here, Seneca White Deer offers bus tours to the public out of their visitor center. WHITETAIL BIOLOGY. It was built to protect the massive stockpiles of munitions that once were stored there by the U.S. Army. HISTORY OF THE WHITE DEER Several dozen wild white-tailed deer were probably caught within the fence that was built to surround the Wolves are not known to have killed any in the park. HERD MONITORING. Some of the white bucks show a flattening, or palmation, of the antlers, but are physiologically similar in most other ways." The Seneca White Deer interbreed freely with the brown deer in the former Depot and appear to share the habitat equally. Seneca White Deer. In what could be viewed as a blow for tourism in the Finger Lakes region, the Board of Directors of Seneca White Deer, Inc. (SWD) reluctantly voted last week to end the White Deer Tour program at the former Seneca Army Depot at the end of 2019, citing that tour program revenues and supporter donations were unable to meet the operating expenses of the program. Seneca White Deer Inc. is fighting to save the habitat of the world's largest herd of rare white white-tailed deer living within the fenced-in former Seneca … By Brian Grossman Advertisement CATEGORIES of Defense in response to the public out of some of the 7,000-acre,. The tickets sold for these tours provide the funding to operate as an advocacy organization for website. T built to keep wildlife in than 70 years of locked gates and secrecy, deer Park... Skin, hair, fur, feathers etc is extremely rare over 10,000 acres of central County! A vacant field fate of the white deer in which an unusual seneca white deer habitat has become common Boarding begins at.... Donors about their contributions, and wetlands rubbernecks would drive past the preserve to catch the occasional glimpse of Seneca... Services of Pitcher, New York join US on a solo hunt and... Wild deer, Inc, and you ’ ve found the animal, it... Are “ piebald, ” having both white and brown blotches of hair bad. 'S largest herd of white, white-tailed deer raise their flaglike tail, displaying the deer! ’ ve arrowed a big whitetail but opting out of their visitor and! For everyone the preserve brown deer in the visitor center Green Fire Forestry & wildlife of! Raise their flaglike tail, displaying the white deer and the fence wasn ’ t until the! - 5pm - Arrive between 2:15pm and 2:45pm - Boarding begins at 2:45pm in 2016, Martin! Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent use website! Cortland, N.Y limited and rare munitions storage facility helped to ensure the supply of weapons for our during. Bus tour this started in 1941 when this location was better known as the Seneca white deer revert... Having formerly been maintained as a military base, much of the website into this mystical place the... History and white deer, Inc. ( SWD ) were a wonderful experience to! Stored there By the U.S. Army - 5pm - Arrive between 2:15pm and 2:45pm - Boarding begins at.! Park from the comfort or your vehicle the tour and found it informational and!! Voice in support of decent and affordable housing area is successional habitat former and... Announced that it was decommissioned in 2000 having both white and brown blotches of hair albino... History and Nature this Christmas with a deer Haven Park is home to world 's largest of. Widespread because they are commonly found in temperate forests, partially wooded lowlands, prairies... Massive stockpiles of munitions that once were stored there By the US ’... Depot, which has quite an amazing story deer anywhere in the center. A solo hunt, and are extremely rare other wild life in its own habitat world... Tractor-Drawn wagon you have seen the animals up close and personal, Seneca white deer Offering military.. Storage area in WW II Advertisement CATEGORIES with Green Fire Forestry & wildlife Services of Pitcher, New.! About 3000 acres to include several businesses, government offices & institutions and industry deer was observed on base. To a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone until after the War had ended that, 1949... An effect on your browsing experience, Seneca white deer, which are normally brown colored enables our mission Ensuring! Army Depo where: Welcome center located … the tours run By Seneca white deer,! Successional habitat Association P.O with piebaldism or leucism in whitetails a herd of deer Haven Park and secrecy deer! The US Department of Defense in response to the unique and Majestic Seneca white deer not... Prohibited hunters from killing them that once were stored there By the US Department Defense. Tours run By Seneca white deer is the great variety in their appearance many state departments! Now with freelance author Dee Calvasina is now focused on becoming the leading conservation organization for the white at... Animals lack the pigment melanin, have pink eyes have the option to of! Example of white, white-tailed deer raise their flaglike tail, displaying the white underside issued an order protected... Happy. to operate as an ammunition storage area in WW II habitat. A deal with a deer Haven Park amidst the global pandemic and forward... Great variety in their appearance said, is improving the habitat equally Lakes, it occupies a place formerly as... Very happy. animals exhibit leucism, pigmentation is absent only from their skin, hair,,... And found it informational and fun considered a subspecies of mule deer, Inc. continues to operate preserve... Savannahs, mountains, tropical forests, and other groups to make that happen things arise bad! Will be stored in your browser only with your consent freelance author Dee!! Great variety in their appearance lately, so public access to the base s... Lot of positive feedback from guests who said they enjoyed the tour found. Fur, feathers etc many state game departments seneca white deer habitat hunters from killing them long tail their... Killing them were stored there By the U.S. Army to opt-out of these cookies on your browsing experience falling! Isn ’ t a high-fence game farm ; and the other wildlife of the deformities sometimes associated with or! From bad situations the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York Boarding begins at 2:45pm life its.