Game animals, particularly deer, are used as a symbol in the conflict between Leatherstocking and Temple. Whenever a deer appears in the story, conflict is always close behind. In the very first chapter, Temple’s missed shots at the deer instead hit Oliver, leading to Oliver’s medical treatment and employment by Temple. In addition, because Oliver shot the deer, he strongly asserts his natural right to keep it, despite Temple’s ever-increasing offer to simply purchase it from him to settle the matter. Though Temple legally owns the deer, as the landowner of the Temple Patent, Oliver refuses to part with it for any cost, insisting that because he shot the deer it is his to keep. Later, Leatherstocking spots the deer chased into the water by his hounds (which Hiram has cut loose). Though Oliver cautions him that it is out of season and that killing it will bring trouble from the law, Leatherstocking is unable to resist the temptation, and kills it. Killing this deer sets in motion the climax of the plot, as Hiram and Kirby attempt to enter Leatherstocking’s hut and are driven off, leading to Leatherstocking’s arrest.

Deer also represent the aesthetic beauty of nature. Whenever a deer arrives, its beauty is remarked upon.