WHITE DEER HISTORY

How It Began

In 1941, 24 miles of security fencing enclosed the area now known as the Conservation Area (CA) of the former Seneca Army Depot. Captured within the fence line of the CA were several whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) of the normal brown coloration. Within a few years, however, something unique happened. White pigmented deer began populating the brown deer herd within the CA. The U. S. Army, sensing something unique was taking place, gave the white deer protection while they managed the brown deer through hunting. This was necessary to keep the population within the carrying capacity of the habitat of the CA.

How did the white deer coloration manifest itself within the CA?

It appears one or more of the brown whitetails originally confined with the CA, carried the recessive gene for white coloration. Over time and with protection from the military, this normally recessive gene continued to manifest itself. Today, the CA is home to the world’s largest and only herd of white deer, nearly 200 individuals strong. Such a density of white deer can be found no where else in the world!

White deer have brown eyes unlike albino deer that are pink eyed. It is also not uncommon to see brown does with white fawns or white does with brown fawns. The color combinations of white and brown deer range from gray to brown as well as white spotting along with pure white.

How are they protected now?

To protect the entire deer herd, the maintenance of the 24 miles of fence must be maintained. Within the fenced area of the CA, the white and brown deer can be properly managed through hunting to keep the herd healthy. If the fence line degrades, and the deer escape, especially the white deer, they are heavily sought as trophies and will perish quickly.

How you can help protect them in the future?

With your help, this unique natural resource, the white deer of the former Seneca Army Depot, can be preserved for generations to enjoy and marvel. To help in this endeavor, check out on how you can assist.

White Deer Prophesy

In the oral tradition of the Lenni Lenape, the "Grandfather People," whom the colonists dubbed the "Delaware Indians," it has long been predicted that there would come a time when a white male and female deer would be seen together, and that this would be a sign to the people to come together. It would be a sign that an historic juncture was soon approaching, and that one of two outcomes would ensue; Either humanity would bring on its own self-destruction and that of all our relations; Or humanity would bring on its own salvation and the restoration of the land and the animals indigenous to it.

The White Deer Prophesy is a message of hope and of Creator's love, of redemption and potentiality of peace, cooperation and responsibility. It is often said that we are our own worst enemy, but on the whole we disclaim responsibility to control our actions. Scientists tell us the seas and oceans are dying. We can clearly see the effects of global warming and of the destruction of the ecosystem that sustains life on this planet. We sit upon stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction, enough to kill the population of the earth many times over, and attempt to "shock and awe" each other with heartless displays of violence to get our way.

We call upon God to bless our acts of terror and claim to have Him on our side, and so does the "enemy," whomever they may at the moment be. We are so foolish as to think that happiness can be achieved by owning things, consuming things and destroying things, that insensitivity is strength and greed is a positive motivator. We have the capability to abolish poverty, to put an end to war and create a true heaven on earth, but still we pursue the creation of the opposite.

We Lenape believe that the white deer, as well as the white buffalo, have been sent to us as a "wake up call," a final reminder to "do the right thing" and "get our act together." Now, even the existence of the white deer is threatened by the greed of developers. If we sit by and do nothing, they will be destroyed. If we rally to save them, we begin the process of rallying to save ourselves and all our relations and to preserve a world to pass on to future generations.

Wanishi! (May Your Path Be Beautiful!)
Chief Tom "Big Warrior" Watts
Traditionalist United Eastern Lenape Nation (TUELN)

MILITARY HISTORY

The former Seneca Army Depot existed from World War II through the Gulf War. In this time frame, the Depot lived through and participated in the 50 years of the 20th century era known as the Cold War. It has been documented that over 100 million people died, world wide, under the communist tyranny of the Cold War and for many people today, especially young people, the Cold War is a fading memory or means nothing at all. It is the Seneca White Deer, Inc.'s (SWD) intent to establish a museum honoring the various military branches that resided at the Depot and to tell their story as the Cold War progressed.

The Conservation Area (CA) contains a total of 519 ammo bunkers and other buildings used by the military. They are all empty now, each with its own story. At one time the base teemed with military personnel and civilians, each doing their part to fight oppression around the world. SWD wants to unearth those stories and bring back to life once again, the important role the Depot played for many decades as well as the impacts the Cold War was having all over the world. It is hoped that one or more of the existing buildings found within the CA can be used as the home for the Cold War museum and its many exhibits. It is very important that the younger generations know the role their forefather’s played at the Depot in keeping America safe. Establishing the Cold War Museum is one means of keeping the history of the Cold War alive.

NATURAL RESOURCES Although one of the most obvious natural resource attributes of the Conservation Area (CA) is its unique herd of white deer, there are many more wonderful resources found within the approximately 7,500 acres of the CA that needs conservation and protection. First, the CA constitutes the last, large piece of open space between Cayuga and Seneca lakes, part of the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Western New York State. With over 500 acres of wetlands, several small streams and a 60-acre pond, the CA provides a vast array of habitats in which a multitude of flora and fauna abound. The CA also contains one of the largest remaining grassland areas in Central and Western New York State encompassing several hundred acres. Mature forests, as well as old field environments, provide even more habitat diversity, attracting and providing a home for a wide array of birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Large flocks of wild turkeys, dozens of species of passerines, coyotes, beaver, wildflowers, several osprey nests, migratory waterfowl, and many species of raptors call the CA “home” and provide an educational and photographic experience rarely found anywhere else. The CA is truly a crown jewel of a natural resource that you can help to protect. Click here to see how.