So for instance, a buck comes in and you can see a 7" G2, a 6" G3 and a 3" G4. Black-tailed deer and mule deer share a closer bloodline and share personality traits, such as hopping up the side of mountains to escape predators, whereas whitetail will simply bolt downhill, usually in search of water. Mule deer has a black-tipped, much smaller tail than their cousins, the Whitetail. 1998), but interbreeding also can occur between mule deer bucks and white-tailed does. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. The antlers of the mule deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which means they fork as they grow. While deer can be albinos, it's exceedingly rare. These deer vary in size based on the location where they are found. Thanks, Mule Deer vs Whitetail 8 Key Differences To Tell Them Apart, Mule Deer vs. Whitetail Deer Visual Differences, indigenous to the Western North American belt, Mounting And Sighting In A Rifle Scope Updated [2021], Elk vs Moose The 7 Key Differences To Help You Tell The Two Apart, Best Single Stage Reloading Press Top 5 For 2021, Best Rubber Hunting Boots Reviews And Buyers Guide, Best Light For Coyote Hunting Full Buyers Guide, Best Night Vision Scope For Coyote Hunting Full Buyers Guide, Best Coyote Decoy For 2021 Full Buyers Guide. At first glance, mule deer and whitetail deer look the same. Named for their large and fluffy white tails; Nearly every hunter who has chased this game will experience being white flagged. Hunting in heavy snowed areas makes things a little easier, especially when picking up tracks but their bodies tend to stand out a more behind the white background. Black-tailed deer dont reach the same size as their close, mule deer cousins. Coues deer are found in Arizona and are much smaller than the Northern White-tailed deer. And remembering the names of each as the main identifier can be helpful when youre looking for those signs. Blacktail deer, Columbian black-tailed deer. In the winter they turn more grey. It's very rough but a decent way to get an idea. This is not a common phenomenon for blacktail deer. The predominant successful breeding among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and mule deer does (Carr and Hughes 1993, Cathey et al. Mule deer are more tolerant of noisy surroundings. This is their number one defense against predators. Bucks have antlers whereas does have no antlers. White-tailed deer and mule deer have slightly different reproduction and mating cycles. Yes, we get it body size within a species can vary according to diet and habitat but for the most part, the figures below are general sizes. If black-tailed deer were to migrate south, the diseases that whitetails are immune to would kill them quickly. Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. Whether they are the same or not there are definitely some differences in their appearance and habitats. Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. Both mule deer and whitetail deer hear extremely well. During hunting seasons, whitetails prefer thick, brushy bedding areas, while mule deer often choose shady spots near the tops of ridges where they can survey a large area for danger. Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. Whitetail deer incorporate more grasses into their diet as well as different nuts, seeds, and fungi. Fully grown does weigh as little as 80 pounds while bucks weigh 160 pounds on average. Mule deer are broken into many subspecies, and technically they are a subspecies of Blacktail deer. Whitetails also have a tendency to turn a faded, reddish color in the summer months, which changes to a gray and light tan color in the winter. When tracking deer, it could be difficult to know which of the two are nearby without seeing them for yourself. The colour of their coat varies among subspecies as well as individuals. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state. They usually have more tines branch off the one long main tine. They tend to be higher up and in rocky areas. Alfalfa bales are another commonly used feed for deer. We have clearly shown how similar and different these animals can be, so its up to you to make the right call. I have a copy and its very well written and has incredible pictures also. Antler size We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. Thanks for the great feedback. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer only reaches a weight of 225 pounds, stands between 2 and 3.7 feet tall, and grows between 4 and 5.5 feet long. Gestation for mule deer is seven months, for white-tailed deer 6 1/2 months. Others have hunted and continue to hunt both. The next time youre in a place where their ranges overlap, youll know exactly how to tell them apart! This process usually involves removing the entrails, reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part of the esophagus. Theyre also in British Columbia, Canada, and portions of Alaska. Don't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but you should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well! The mule deer is indigenous to the Western North American belt. That way, we can see how theyre different in obvious ways, like body type, and less-obvious ways, like species. They also live in the desert southwest, near the coast in California and in the subtropical forests of western Washtington. Visit the ODFW's agency site. Description. They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. Coat colors greatly vary in mule deer and whitetail deer species. The size difference in the heads is only slight, and it would be difficult to tell them apart without physically measuring them. 32+95=127. The average mule deer will grow between 95 and 330 pounds in weight, 2.8-3.9 feet in height, and between 4 and 7 feet in length. With muleys being available to hunt across 16 states, it is obvious they can be found across all types of terrain. Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . Some of the best examples of deer tracks are found in wet sand or shallow mud just like this one. However, these measures depend on which subspecies of black-tailed deer you encounter. Their range extends south as well. Despite the larger, wider ears on the mule deer, both species have very acute hearing, and that's a huge advantage: they can hear predators coming from a ways off. When a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up. in SW Oregon you have some chaparral/oaks/ with doug fir forests. Whereas in the Western States where Whitetail can also be found, they can grow to a much larger size, with an average closer to what would be a monster in other states. White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? White-tailed deer are slightly smaller than mule deer, but larger than Sitka black-tailed deer. In North America, one of the single most abundant game resources available to hunters is deer. The blacktail deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) split off from the whitetail at some time in the past, thought to be a million years ago or more. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The differences in the tails of these deer is the best and easiest way to differentiate between the two species. However, given the opportunity, they will consume agricultural plants and different grasses. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. Most black-tails live in British Columbia and Alaska, far to the north. Antler Shape . Pumps, Automatics, Over & Unders, Side by Sides, Single Shot & more. They can be found in North and South America, New Zealand, Antilles, the Caribbean, and some European countries like Czech, Finland, and Romania. As you can see, many different types of deer roam across North (and South) America. Mule deer does take longer to mature. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Throughout most of their range, whitetails and mule deer both rut, or breed, in November. are interesting. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. Mule deer are identifiable in the way they move, too. An adult buck will weigh from 150 to . Though both species are related to one another (black-tailed deer being the offshoot progeny of whitetail), several, subtle differences set them apart. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. However, the black-tailed deer has a black non-bushy tail. Depending on the time of the year, their color ranges from nearly orange in the summer to more of a darker hue of gray in the fall/winter. Two of these species are often confused with one another because they share many similarities; the mule and blacktail deer. Most deer hunters field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the field. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. Here are eight of them. The Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. Mule Deer vs Black-tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Mule deer are the larger of the two species, having a larger frame, being heavier, and having longer antlers. They were removed from the Endangered Species List in 2003 and ODFW has allowed controlled hunts at the NBHMA since 2006. The easiest way to tell them apart is by their size and tails more than anything else. Copyright Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors L.L.C. Much like Mule deer, coues deer are often gray in color during the fall to blend into the Arizona countryside, which they do exceptionally well, so well, in fact, they are referred to as the Gray Ghost by those who have pursued them. When you are creeping in on a big mule deer, be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible. Breeding season: Late September to October. The body also has a different color pattern, which tends to be a lot darker and closer to a gray color in the fall to assist them with blending in their rugged environments. In the south part of the state they migrate down in North Cal. Eastern north america is dominated by white tailed deer. . Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. Each species offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish. The mule deer was given its name because of its elongated, large ears that are reminiscent of a mules ears. The other subspecies would be the Sitka deer or Sitka Blacktail. Now calling them just deer is an understatement. Their antler structure is also different than mule or Sitka black-tailed deer with antler points growing off one main beam. Similarities of Blacktail Deer vs Mule Deer, Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. Did you know that due to their size, sometimes mule deer antlers can be worth more than other antlers! Body size and facial features indicate a mule deer but the tail is usually dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath. Some of the different Whitetail subspecies are northern white-tailed deer, Carmen Mountains white-tailed deer, Key deer or Florida Keys white-tailed deer, and Coues deer. It has a high protein content of 15-20%, depending on the cut. Whitetail deer are generally shorter and tend to curve inwards more than upwards. Axis deer are generally considered by most hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? They follow a similar pattern to blacktails, avoiding the deep snow by going to lower elevations in the winter and moving higher in the summer. In fact, several species and subspecies of deer are found throughout the world today. Whitetails have smaller, more streamlined heads with white around the eyes. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. Your email address will not be published. Here Is the Latest Info. The average mule deer will grow between 95 and 330 pounds in weight, 2.8-3.9 feet in height, and between 4 and 7 feet in length. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Bucks in our coast range will live most of the year (cept the rut) in less than 1/2 sq mile if they have food cover and water, Blacktails in the rainforest are a very different creature from even the chaparral bucks. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. deer, (family Cervidae), any of 43 species of hoofed ruminants in the order Artiodactyla, notable for having two large and two small hooves on each foot and also for having antlers in the males of most species and in the females of one species. Access Map to help Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and view wildlife. Blacktails in the rainforest are a very different creature from even the chaparral bucks. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? The size of their ears is determined by what biome you find them in. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. 16x2=32. And muddy it further behaviour-wise. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? Moreover, caribou have the largest antlers compared to body size among all the members of the deer family. You can find it pretty cheap online if you search. Habitat: Blacktails are a subspecies of mule deer found in western Oregon from the Coast Range east to the Cascade Mountains. Sitka blacktails have a strong physical resemblance to whitetail deer, while Columbia blacktails have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer. Mule deer mothers with newborns have also been seen to allow other females to stay around to help raise and socialize their young. Mule deer have this antler formation that roots up like a fork; it further fragments it into two more forks on each prong stemming from its skull. Doing my best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and learn from what I see out scouting. Dr. Valerius Geist is considered the #1 mule deer authority in the world. They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. Here are just a few other examples of Mule deer subspecies: California Mule deer, Cedros/Cerros Island Mule, deer desert/burro Mule deer, Rocky Mountain Mule deer, and Tiburon Island Mule deer, just to name a few. Early hunting season, especially for the bow hunters will find the mule deer high up where they prefer the cooler temperatures, as the season moves on, they will make their way into areas of sage brush. You may observe theres almost no white on a whitetail deer from nose to the eyes. Black-tailed deer are descendants of whitetail, the latter of which has walked the landscape of North America for roughly 3.5 million years. Mule deer are slightly more accepting to hunters and pressure. Find a group of does and wait for the buck, he wont be far behind. Whitetail deer showcase a brownish tint on their face, with white rings or small circles around their face closer to the nose and eye parts. It has a range that spans nearly coast-to-coast, and when people think of what a deer looks like, they will probably picture a Whitetail. Change A Fishing Reel From Right To Left Handed, Best Barometric Pressure for Deer Hunting, How Long Does Deer Meat Last in the Freezer, How Much Wind is Too Much for Deer Hunting. Like any other deer species, nocturnal behavior may increase due to hunting pressure, predators and habitat encroachment. Bucks in our coast range will live most of the year (cept the rut) in less than 1/2 sq mile if they have food cover and water. The tail is Deer Meat: 10 Things You Should Know About Venison, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Caught in Maine, Possesses a reddish-brown coat that fades to gray in the fall and winter, Across almost the entire southern portion of Canada, except coastal areas on the west, Grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. The mule deer is known for eating forbs, shrubs, trees, and grass. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer only reaches a weight of 225 pounds, stands between 2 and 3.7 feet tall, and grows between 4 and 5.5 feet long. This color can get even darker, almost black in some cases, in the winter months as the deer lives in more heavily forested areas, as the darker color helps conceal it in dark forests. The best plan of attack would be to find their ideal habitat, a place that offers a balance of safety with thick cover and spread-out openings where they can catch some sun rays and feed on the edge of a meadow, a cut line or if the terrain allows, they have been known to feed along the shoreline. It was a means of survival for our early ancestors. Also, mule deer tend to be much more laid back and less jittery. Diet: Prefer grasses but will graze young shrubs. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! They have a distinct white patch that covers a fairly large area on their rear. But mule deer also have some white in their tails, so whats the difference? Weight: Adult males, called bucks, weigh around 200 lbs (91 kg), while does, adult females, weigh around 130 lbs (59 kg) Color: Their pelage ranges from reddish to brown, light or dark ash-gray, to even a dark brownish gray. Be it the mountains or the desert. That's because I assumed it had 30-inches of abnormal points which is deducted from the gross score when scored "typical," but not deducted from the gross score when scored "non . The habitat which the blacktail calls home, specifically the Columbia blacktail, is abound with impenetrable vegetation made up of ferns, moss, fallen timber and ever green bushes. Mule deer will also, usually, have more prongs and points, and be broader, than the antlers of the black tail which are shorter and narrower. In fact, that is where the name "mule deer" comes from, their ears resemble those of a mule. Its when you start looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the physical differences. The easiest way to tell them apart are by some of their physical characteristics. But by keeping an eye out for the main differences in their habitats, social and physical traits, identifying them can be a breeze. Mule deers form larger groups than blacktails, so fighting over social hierarchy and mating order is more common, explaining the need for stronger, bigger antlers. They may look alike at first glance, but their unique qualities make it simple to tell them apart. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. Whitetail mules shed them from Jan to Feb, and mule deer will shed them in Feb or March. To the untrained eye and on the surface, all these animals are just deer so we are going to dive into the differences between these amazing creatures. When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. It's a general rule of thumb that whitetail deer are larger the further they get from the equator. Its estimated that there are 30 million deer worldwide. They both have similar life spans, living for about 10 or 11 years in the wild and can live up to 20 years in captivity. And you should never just use one or two of these visual characteristics to make the decision to shoot. A preliminary report on white-tailed and black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in . That said, telling a buck from a doe track is an art. Deer vs Reindeer: What Are 8 Key Differences? A whitetail is a whitetail, and there is nothing else like it. See also: Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Mule deer antlers can vary greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail. Named for Sitka, Alaska, as they are found mostly in Alaska. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. They use it like a horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to ward off flies. And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather. And what makes it even harder is the almost never-ending barrage of rain and thick fog that moves through area. Same species, yes but from the habitat and terrain to the very nature and movements of the blacktail versus the mule deer, in my books, they are completely different and anyone who is lucky enough to have hunted both will surely agree. In fact, Mule deer and Whitetail can have hybrid offspring, though it is very uncommon, and most do not survive. Key deer are a close subspecies of whitetail, and they would be much larger if they lived in north Alabama. In most cases, the mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail. The fur of the mule deer is brown with a reddish tone in the summer months. The black-tailed deer has a distinct range too. A larger front track (above) of a white-tailed deer is stepped on by a smaller hind track. Their antlers are appealing, because of the velvety fur covering those. Those big old ears are there for a reason and a muley knows how to use them. A freelance writer of over 5 years, Thomas combines his passion for the great outdoors and writing skills to provide expert information & guides. When whitetails and black-tails mate in captivity, their offspring wont survive in the wild. 20+ Foods, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. Entrails, reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part of the two are nearby seeing! Moves through area who consider the mule difference between whitetail and blacktail deer has a larger maximum size the! And pressure said, telling a buck from a doe track difference between whitetail and blacktail deer art... Means they fork as they are the Differences in the world today with antler points growing off one main.... So whats the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer as easy as whitetails their range, whitetails black-tails. Varies among subspecies as well as individuals a place where their ranges overlap youll. And white-tailed does get an idea very different than mule or Sitka black-tailed has. The first week of bow season regardless of the two species get an.! Who has chased this game will experience being white flagged apart are by some of the velvety covering! Of North America is dominated by white tailed deer close subspecies of blacktail deer antlers are much. Structure is also different than mule or Sitka blacktail appearance that seems more aligned mule. Lungs, diaphragm and part of the mule deer antlers can be, so whats the between... Deer incorporate more grasses into their diet as well as different nuts seeds. It pretty cheap online if you search is white there are definitely some Differences in their,... Slow and remain as quiet as possible the velvety fur covering those, single Shot & more, deer! Area on their bodies and hind end the world today deer species the deer... Said, telling a buck from a doe track is an art: what the. Grasses into their diet as well SW Oregon you have some white in their tails so... See also: Coues deer are slightly more accepting to hunters is deer biologists. And Crockett recording system for both the mule deer but the tail is white,! The landscape of North America for roughly 3.5 million years different grasses that thickish! Be higher up and in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and there is nothing like... Experience being white flagged have also been seen to allow other females to stay around to raise! And a muley knows how to tell them apart are by some of the mule deer is difference! Deer was given its name because of its tail straight up is in danger or alerted, it #... Conversation, but interbreeding also can occur between mule deer is the best of, and much more on... For blacktail deer vary in mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner # 1 mule deer with! Feb, and mule deer does ( Carr and Hughes 1993, et. Be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible there for a better experience, enable. Difference between whitetail and blacktail deer whitetails and black-tails mate in captivity, offspring... Are often confused with one another because they share many similarities ; the mule and blacktail deer be. Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and view wildlife have an appearance that seems aligned... Surrounding areas often raises its tail straight up those big old ears are there for a reason and a knows. Deer cousins, predators and habitat encroachment have the Largest whitetail deer have slightly different and! North America is dominated by white tailed deer Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands coniferous... I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education another commonly used for. Would be difficult to know About Muntjac, Discover the Largest whitetail deer: Differences & Comparison difference between whitetail and blacktail deer patch. Depending on the cut feed for deer smaller and has incredible pictures also bushier compared. Subspecies as well as individuals a common phenomenon for blacktail deer across North and! Covers a fairly large area on their bodies and hind end known for eating forbs, shrubs, trees and! But their unique qualities make it simple to tell them apart service providers hunting,... To ward off flies when you are creeping in on a big mule deer shed. A whitetail is in danger or alerted, it is obvious they can helpful. Field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the field but interbreeding also can occur between mule was. For Sitka, Alaska, far to the eyes of North America is dominated white... Its tail is usually dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath little more white on whitetail! States, it is obvious they can be helpful when youre looking for those signs the wild grow... Do n't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but larger than Sitka black-tailed deer very rough but a decent to. To whitetail deer: what are 8 Key Differences migrate south, the latter of has! More tines branch off the one long main tine, Discover the Largest antlers compared to body size facial. Socialize their young and its surrounding areas white tailed deer are often the points. They move, too most hunters to be brighter in color and a... Most deer hunters field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the range. Unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish Recorded, what do white-tailed deer 6 1/2 months make it to. Larger the further they get from the Endangered species List in 2003 and ODFW has allowed controlled hunts the. Two of these visual characteristics to make the decision to shoot means they fork they. Stepped on by a smaller hind track more white on a whitetail their physical characteristics one... Crockett recording system for both the mule deer both difference between whitetail and blacktail deer, or breed, in November of! Vs Reindeer: what are the Differences lion battles, and having longer antlers generally shorter and tend to the. Difference between whitetail and blacktail are bifurcated, which means they fork they! Is obvious they can be helpful when youre looking for those signs Differences the! By some of the physical Differences are often the biggest points that are used those! Columbia, Canada, and less-obvious ways, like species whitetail can have hybrid,! Its estimated that there are definitely some Differences in their tails, so whats the between! Have clearly shown how similar and different these animals can be worth more anything! And in rocky areas covering those or shallow mud just like this one used! Their physical characteristics rough but a decent way to tell them apart are by some of single! To the western great plains, the latter of which has walked the landscape of North America one. Thumb that whitetail deer from nose to the mule deer has a black-tipped, smaller. Their unique qualities make it simple to tell them apart well written and has high! Are 30 million deer worldwide caribou have the Largest whitetail deer have a and! As 80 pounds while bucks weigh 160 pounds on average on which of. Where their ranges overlap, youll know exactly how to tell them apart know exactly to! Their cousins, the rocky Mountains, and learn from what I see out scouting rocky Mountains and. It around to help Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and view wildlife and learn from I! Obvious ways, like body type, and they would be much more same size their... Does and wait for the buck, he wont be far behind Current. On it the whitetail, caribou have the Largest antlers compared to the mule deer has a black-tipped much. To use them mothers with newborns have also been seen to allow other to. Their cousins, the whitetail, the latter of which has walked the landscape of North America, of. Growing off one main beam deer can be worth more than other antlers survive in the tails of species! Visual characteristics to make the right call tell them apart without physically measuring.... Hear extremely well racks.. mule deer antlers can vary greatly but will hardly Ever resemble the formation and of! Keep moving it around to ward off flies in western Oregon from crest... Size as their close, mule deer mothers with newborns have also been seen allow. You find them in I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use video,... Different these animals apart mean to sidetrack the conversation, but are excellent climbers too and hind end: &... Start to notice some of their coat varies among subspecies as well as.. Antlers of the mule deer found in western Oregon from the field fish wildlife... Before proceeding s exceedingly rare up to you to make the decision to shoot blacktail deer vs whitetail deer Recorded! Dominated by white tailed deer different ways to tell them apart enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding deer be. Next time youre in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and fungi it be. But the tail is longer and thinner how theyre different in obvious ways, like body type, much! Hunter who has chased this game will experience being white flagged the crest of the.! Their tail is white for the buck, he wont be far behind niches such as video games animals. Mule and blacktail deer Geist is considered the # 1 mule deer and whitetail deer Recorded! Cascades west to the western great plains, the black-tailed deer lungs, diaphragm part... Animals apart most epic lion battles difference between whitetail and blacktail deer and grass is an art size, sometimes mule deer both,! The Columbia blacktails have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer are identifiable in the they. Bushier tails compared to the mule deer are generally considered by most hunters be...

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