Deer

Deer are hooved, herbivorous mammals belonging to the cervidae familiy. They are known for their iconic antlers, which can be a strong part of the experience of people with this species identity. Many have felt misrepresented by stereotypical ideas about deer as fragile, gentle creatures and have challenged these perceptions in their personal essays.

Experiences

Behaviour

Many deer describe a common state of mind. They see themselves as wary and sensitive, often to the point of paranoia. They may feel as if they are constantly primed to run or fight. They can spook easily, and some keep their distance from people as a result. However, they can also be curious and fanciful when they feel secure, and many feel a strong sense of commitment to the people who they do feel safe around. Larger species are generally more confident overall.

Other instincts a deer may experience include wanting to kick or bolt when startled, a desire to graze on plants, and a preoccupation with strong smells or scent marking. People whose forms are male may experience behaviours related to the rutting season.

Antlers

The phantom sensation of antlers is a prominent experience for many deer whose forms are male, and even some who are female. Some have described a feeling of heaviness on their head associated with them. The sensations may change throughout the year as the antlers go through their growth cycle, even potentially being completely absent for part of the time. The shape and size of a deer's antlers, as well as the specific times of year they grow and change, can be a helpful species indicator for people who are questioning.

People who connect to deer in a more metaphorical manner often see the antlers as a major feature of the archetype.

As a prey animal

Some deer have expressed objections to romanticized images that paint them as delicate, or define them solely in terms of being a prey species. Does in particular can often be stereotypically associated with purity. In her essay I am not the grace of the doe, [] details the many ways that reality does not reflect this. She and others choose to reframe the perception of deer as animals with strong survival capabilities.

Deer who also have predator animal identities have sometimes spoken about this dualistic experience.