Piebald deer: what they are, what they are not, and why they matter
What is a piebald deer?
Piebaldism is an inherited condition in which patches of skin have no pigment cells, so the hair growing there is white. Both parents must carry the recessive gene for a fawn to be piebald, and it can show up in bucks and does. Coat patterns range from a few white spots to a deer that is mostly white. The eyes, and the rest of the coat, are normal color.
How rare are piebald deer?
The National Deer Association, citing the Southeast Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, puts piebaldism at less than 1% of white-tailed deer, roughly 1 in 1,000 across the range. It can run higher in local herds, and in one population it reached nearly 2% after hunting was restricted.
What is a piebald deer not?
- Not an albino. Albino deer are white all over with pink eyes, because their pigment cells cannot make color. They are much rarer, about 1 in 30,000.
- Not melanistic. Melanistic deer are very dark brown or black from too much pigment, and are even rarer.
- Not a different species or a hybrid. A piebald is an ordinary white-tailed deer carrying a genetic condition.
Why is piebaldism not a good trait in a deer herd?
The genes behind the white coat can affect more than color. Piebald deer often show:
- Crooked or bowed legs and misshapen hooves
- A curved spine
- A shortened face and a humped, “Roman” nose
- Short stature or dwarfism
- In severe cases, internal organ problems
Mildly affected deer may live normal lives, but severely affected fawns can die within hours or days. Many deer managers therefore regard piebaldism as an undesirable trait. Taking piebald deer will not remove the gene from a herd, because far more deer carry it than show it, but it does remove animals that may struggle and keeps them from passing the trait on directly.
Can you hunt piebald deer?
Some states have protected piebald deer in the past. Check the current regulations for your state before you hunt, and see our state game codes.
Last updated October 18, 2026. Reviewed by DelChester Wildlife Conservation Group.
Frequently asked questions
What is a piebald deer?
A white-tailed deer with patches of white hair caused by an inherited, recessive genetic condition. Its eyes and the rest of its coat are normal color.
Is a piebald deer an albino?
No. An albino deer is white all over with pink eyes because its pigment cells cannot make color. A piebald has white patches and normal eye color.
Why are piebald deer considered undesirable?
The same genetic condition is often linked to crooked legs and hooves, a curved spine, a short face, a humped or Roman nose, dwarfism and, in severe cases, internal organ problems. Severely affected fawns may die within hours or days.
Can I shoot a piebald deer?
Check the current regulations in your state before you hunt. Rules have differed between states and over time.
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