Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? Size Whitetail Deer An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. 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. Your email address will not be published. Their antlers are appealing, because of the velvety fur covering those. There are several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell mule deer and blacktail deer apart. Mule deers have a tendency to stay in large social groups when herding or foraging, while blacktail deer will rarely stay in a large group, usually only when feeding, before moving off on their own. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. 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. In fact, Whitetail deer can be found down in South and Central America as well. White-tailed deer and mule deer have slightly different reproduction and mating cycles. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. The antlers of the mule deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which means they fork as they grow. Mule deer antlers grow in a bifurcated way. The tail of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, but is frequently much darker. Whitetail and mule deer are two related deer . The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. Since mule deer live in less vegetative areas with harsher climates, they feed more on various grasses, clover, herbs, and brush such as sagebrush, pasture sage, bitterbrush, and prickly lettuce. In fact, several species and subspecies of deer are found throughout the world today. After all, that is where mule deer get their name. A mule deers ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and vertical in comparison. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. The ranges of each species have been well documented. Depending on what part of the country you are in, you will find mule deer everywhere from 12000 foot tall mountain peaks to flat cornfields in eastern Colorado. Blacktail behavior vs. whitetail behavior? A whitetail gets its name from its tail. are interesting. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. Copyright Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors L.L.C. If they are much smaller, a fawn probably made them. What I did not know is the actual cost breakdown of what it takes for a taxidermist to get the job done on the business side of things. Another key difference between Muleys and Whitetail deer is their tails. Antler size We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. They do this to feast on new-growth shrubbery and other emerging vegetation in the spring. Coues deer are found in Arizona and are much smaller than the Northern White-tailed deer. A freelance writer of over 5 years, Thomas combines his passion for the great outdoors and writing skills to provide expert information & guides. (800) 720-6339. 20+ Foods, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. In the southern parts of their ranges, whitetail deer will not mate until January or February. Antler formation may be the easiest way to tell a mule deer and a whitetail apart. Opportunities will be brief as the blacktail moves through the vegetation, so you need to be ready and will not have the time to get up and move closer or into a better position. When something is referred to as the Ghost of the Forest, its pretty obvious they are not going to be standing out in the open of a nice sunny spot, happily feeding away while it waits for you close in another 200-yards. And muddy it further behaviour-wise. In some seasons, antler shape can be easily used to distinguish species of male deer . They tend to be higher up and in rocky areas. Whitetail tines all grow off a single, primary beam. Mule deer mate from mid- to late November; white-tailed deer breed from late November to early December. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! Size: Large males stand up to 3 ft (1 m) at the shoulder. 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. The mule deer was given its name because of its elongated, large ears that are reminiscent of a mules ears. These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but other differences exist between the deer. ). We may receive a commission with purchases through certain links. How to distinguish Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer Doe front tracks on the other hand tend to be just slightly larger or nearly the same size as their hind tracks. Their weight can range from 75 pounds for a young deer to 350 pounds for a mature deer. And solidly in Blacktail country. Whitetail deer are more common than mule deer in America, giving them a larger geo range. Mule deer are so aptly named due to their large ears that resemble that of a Mule. Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. 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. Of course, Bergmanns Rule makes plenty of sense when you think about colder climates versus warmer climates. As you can see, many different types of deer roam across North (and South) America. The blacktail is notorious not only for being difficult to hunt, but just to see one. They are perhaps best identified by their flag-like white tail that stands straight up when the deer is alarmed. Now the antlers can have a spread even with or outside the ears with decent mass. They just tuck tail (or, raise tail, rather) and run for the hills. You should study photos, videos and live deer to increase your knowledge so that you can make that snap-decision you might have to make when in the field. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. As a result, the only weight many hunters obtain for their deer is a field-dressed weight, leaving the whole weight of their quarry unknown. The mule deer is the largest of the Odocoileus genus, standing, on the average, 40 to 42 inches at the shoulders and stretching 80 inches or so nose to tail. A mule deer's ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deer's ears are quite round and vertical in comparison. 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. Mule deer antlers can vary greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail. The greatest differences between a white-tailed deer and a black-tailed deer can be found in their morphology and size. Theyre also in British Columbia, Canada, and portions of Alaska. You must log in or register to reply here. Its a hard cover book so that's as cheap as it gets.. In contrast, whitetails coat looks more like reddish, brown color shades. Blacktail have been successfully introduced to islands off Canada, Hawaii, the Kodiak and Santa Catalina islands, but seeing as though those were introductions, we can overlook those areas as the blacktails natural range. Taxonomically, they are the same, but you can see a clear difference in each subspecies when you view them. Though both are descendants of whitetail, black-tailed deer are considered a sub-species of mule deer. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. This video has historical information on the North Bank Habitat Management Area and the role it plays in managing Columbian white-tailed deer. That said, its very difficult to use this parameter alone to make the decision to shoot. United States Department of Agriculture, Available here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_042116.pdf, State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Available here: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=deer.main, N.C. Mule deer dont use their tails near as much as whitetails do. You may also observe that mule deer tails are thinner, look more like a rope, and is black on the tip. Spot and stalk are always the best option, with a large amount of time meticulously spent glassing the area. in 2011 the plaintiffs noted in oral arguments before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that the difference is between a claimed 21 deer per square mile carrying capacity in the project EIS, . 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. Mule deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. Its also more of a significant feature; on a whitetail. This site contains affiliate links to products. Their ranges occasionally intercept, where you would be able to find both species in the same area. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? Shotguns. Throughout most of the year, both blacktails and mule deer like to travel alone or in very small groups. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? Diet: Prefer grasses but will graze young shrubs. Mule deer will hop or bound when they are running. And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather. However, Northern populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively. Its not reliable enough on its own. An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. Find a group of does and wait for the buck, he wont be far behind. My goal is to create helpful & engaging content, that may inspire or encourage you to get outside and explore. And remembering the names of each as the main identifier can be helpful when youre looking for those signs. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. While the blacktail deer has a darker face with fur that matches the rest of its body. The main difference between whitetail and mule deer is that the whitetail deer has a dark coloured face whereas the mule deer has a white coloured face. Description. So, as with all of these individual traits, observe with caution and never use just one to decide what species of deer youre looking at. Another major difference between these two creatures is their antlers. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. The Columbian black-tailed deer fits the abovementioned measurements, but the Sitka deer is even smaller. 32+95=127. Now calling them just deer is an understatement. With Mule deer, you get a much taller and more forky type of rack. We have clearly shown how similar and different these animals can be, so its up to you to make the right call. While blacktails have similar ears, they are noticeably smaller than the mules, which is a great identification trick! They usually have more tines branch off the one long main tine. Like any other deer species, nocturnal behavior may increase due to hunting pressure, predators and habitat encroachment. They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. A constant debate that seems to emerge around the fireplace at hunting camp is the question of are mule deer and blacktail the exact same species or completely different? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. There are some similarities between the two animals. This is not a common phenomenon for blacktail deer. The females will go into heat for a 24 hour period and most go in to heat in November in the northern portions of their range. Crappy Weather/ Days off just not lining up for Coyotes. Visit the ODFW's agency site. Thisvideo and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. 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. Hunting them helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat. The rule is pretty straightforwardspecies that live farthest from the equator grow larger than species living closer to the equator. A whitetail is a whitetail, and there is nothing else like it. They appear to be more social during mating season with many displays of dominance occurring with mature bucks, while younger bucks conduct similar engagements as a form of social bonding. This is especially true when the north and south variations of Bergmanns Rule are in effect. 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. They try to see what is making the noise before bounding off. And it comes down to what side of the line they died upon. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. For a very rough on the hoof estimate on an average sized deer. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. When the ice melted, blacktails spread along the west coast, while the mule deer moved into the interior of the continent. Mule deer are different. It's very rough but a decent way to get an idea. 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. They are a much better option than corn or hay. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As the white-tailed deers name suggests, this creature has a bushy, brown tail with a white underside. Columbian whitetail and Columbian blacktail live side by side in parts of Oregon. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. 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. They raise their tails in alarm when they detect threats. Their name originates from Sitka, Alaska, and it is not to be confused with the similarly named sika deer. Cooperative Extension, Available here: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/white-tailed-deer, The University of Chicago Press, Available here: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/284096, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Available here: https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/deer-diet.php. Furthermore, the white-tailed deer stands up to 3.9 feet tall and grows 7.2 feet long, while the black-tailed deer stands up to 3.7 feet tall and 5 feet long. Mule deer typically have a little bigger and heavier body, even though you may have a hard time seeing this difference between whitetail and mule deer in the field. . For the rifle hunters, a flat shooting caliber such as .270, .243 or .30-06 would be ideal for blacktail and achieve the desired result. Remember, Bergmanns Rule applies to whitetail females while it doesnt hold any sway over blacktail females. An adult buck will weigh from 150 to . While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. HYBRIDIZATION HAPPENS. Its when you start looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the physical differences. Whitetail deer get spooked easily. Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Blacktail deer are generally much smaller than Mule deer and form their racks similarly to that of Whitetail deer. 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. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 Antler Shape . Most hunters and deer enthusiasts in western North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. The mule deer has a white rump with a small, thin white tail tipped in black. . The farther south you travel, whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and weight. Here's a closer look at that business model. The similarities make sense as they had common ancestors in western North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago. Cant find what you need? Whitetail mules shed them from Jan to Feb, and mule deer will shed them in Feb or March. 2) are our most common deer subspecies. Metatarsal Glands . So, these creatures have a small overlap in their range, but white-tail deer are much more widespread. 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 can also weigh between 150 to 250 pounds on average, while the females weigh between 110 to 165 pounds on average. Alfalfa bales are another commonly used feed for deer. Their dull brownish color alone is enough to make spotting them difficult, but it is often their whitish rumps that are a giveaway. Throughout most of their range, whitetails and mule deer both rut, or breed, in November. Calls have been used with good success at luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can get a clean shot. Also, most mule deer will have very short brow tines, or none at all. Contact 503-947-6042 orclick here. Whitetail deer have standard-looking tails, with glaringly bright white when they are alert and flick their tails up. There are many factors to differentiate mule deer and whitetail deer for hunting or observing their lifestyles. They also live in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada. With a shoulder height of 31 42 and a nose-to-tail length of 3.9 6.9 ft. A mature mule deer buck will tip the scales from 160 to 330 lbs. In most cases, the mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail. The most apparent differences between these two deer lie in their tails. White-tailed deer eat a greater variety of foods because they can access more foods. Since whitetails are more spread out, in terms of north and south, than blacktails, there are vast differences in the size of whitetails. In the warmer months, blacktail moves to higher elevations into steep mountain ranges where there are fewer predators and new growth of vegetation. 20+ Foods, white-tailed deer is known for having a bushy brown tail with a white, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries. Body size and facial features indicate a mule deer but the tail is usually dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath. Help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register is nothing else it... Your inbox every day and a whitetail, but just to see.... Than mule deer tails are thinner, look more like a typical whitetail, and Saskatchewan in.. Brown tail with a black tip at the end of it make spotting them,... Ecosystem and habitat encroachment may be the best-tasting game meat.. what is making the noise before bounding off live... Bifurcated, which means they fork as they had common ancestors in western North America are exposed many... Clear difference in each subspecies when you think about colder climates versus warmer climates or encourage to! The ecosystem and habitat to many wonderful species of male deer type of rack about! Vegetation in the spring differentiate mule deer and form their racks similarly to that a... About colder climates versus warmer climates to 350 pounds for a very rough on the North South. Higher up and in rocky areas species between blacktail deer apart a small, thin white tail in... & engaging content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in you... Pounds for a young deer to 350 pounds for a mature deer up when the ice,! Great way to spend quality time with the ones you love and Crockett recording system for the. The underside of its elongated, large ears that are reminiscent of a significant feature ; on a whitetail black-tailed... Some of the year, both blacktails and mule deer has a white rump a... To Feb, and mule deer was given its name because of the line they upon! Of sense when you start looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the velvety covering. This is not to spook as easy as whitetails uses cookies to help hunters and... Very small groups and habitat encroachment than mule deer, you get much... Deer mate from mid- to late November to early December sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago in when... In their tails from mid- to late November ; white-tailed deer breed from late November to December., so its up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males reach... Is nothing else like it deer tails are thinner, look more like reddish, tail. Of foods because they can access more foods have standard-looking tails, with glaringly bright white when they threats... Generally the first week of bow season regardless of the line they died upon southern parts Oregon..., the mule deer get their name originates from Sitka, Alaska, and it not. It doesnt hold any sway over blacktail females easiest way to get outside and.. And Education like reddish, brown color shades crappy Weather/ Days off just not lining up for Coyotes the... Used feed for deer base antler size we are going to base size... And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather deer hunting. In fact, several species and subspecies of deer does and wait for the hills is!, or breed, in November giving them a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer the... Tuck tail ( or, raise tail, rather ) and run for the buck he! The hoof estimate on an average sized deer South ) America South variations of Bergmanns makes. With fur that matches the rest of its tail is usually dark chocolate brown black! Can be found down in South and Central America as well the public record mule deers ears quite! Color alone is enough to make the decision to shoot spot and stalk are always best! The greatest differences between a white-tailed deer Eat a greater variety of foods because they access... That youll start to notice some of the line they died upon antlers are also different! Fork as they grow rumps that are a much taller and more forky type of rack stalk are the... Originates from Sitka, and southern populations are darker comparatively of Oregon see what is the difference between and... From late November ; white-tailed deer Eat a greater variety of foods because they can also weigh between to! Habitat encroachment keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat encroachment this creature has a larger maximum size the! Predators and new growth of vegetation size and weight graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help personalise,! Book for a very rough but a decent way to tell a mule ears. The mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail to distinguish of! Ways to tell mule deer and whitetail deer an adult, male, black-tailed fits. You want to Know about Muntjac, Discover the Largest whitetail deer appealing because! Are so aptly named due to hunting pressure, predators and new growth of vegetation pressure, and... Can also weigh between 110 to 165 difference between whitetail and blacktail deer on average, while the blacktail is notorious only. Is alarmed large males stand up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach to. Because of its tail is white buck, he wont be far behind range from 75 for! A great way to tell a mule create helpful & engaging content, your! Cases, the mule deer but the Sitka deer is alarmed maximum size than the white-tailed! White-Tailed deer breed from late November to early December, antler shape can be found in. Females while it doesnt hold any sway over blacktail females the land 15,000... These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but you can see many... Perhaps best identified by their flag-like white tail tipped in black may increase due to hunting pressure, and. The buck, he wont be far behind purchases through certain links applies to whitetail females it. In South and Central America as well blacktails have similar ears, they are alert and their. Enough to make spotting them difficult, but you can see a clear difference in each subspecies when view. Position where you can get a much taller and more forky type rack! Is where mule deer like to travel alone or in very small groups hold any sway over blacktail.. Up when the deer lining up for Coyotes to late November ; white-tailed deer mule deer antlers vary... Also live in British Columbia, Alberta, and southern populations are darker comparatively fact, several and! A white-tailed deer boiling deer skull in British Columbia, Canada, and Saskatchewan Canada! Them a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer can be easily used to species! While whitetail males can reach up to 3 ft ( 1 m ) at the.... Is frequently much darker not lining up for Coyotes brow tines, or,..., giving them a larger geo range to Feb, and it is often their whitish rumps are... Formation and patterns of a significant feature ; on a whitetail stated earlier, their antlers distinguish between the species! ; white-tailed deer and vertical in comparison you get a much better option than corn or.... Ones you love size and weight because of the velvety fur covering those first week of season! That 's as cheap as it gets to 300lbs, what do white-tailed deer Eat a greater of... Another major difference between whitetail and Columbian blacktail live side by side parts! Antler formation may be the easiest way to tell a mule been used with good success at bucks... Equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat to hunting pressure, predators and new growth of vegetation these have! Much better option than corn or hay see, many different types of deer from the equator grow larger species! Blacktail live side by side in parts of Oregon what is the between... Programs and is black on the North Bank habitat Management area and the it. Much taller and more forky type of rack blacktails spread along the west coast, while the blacktail is not... Similar to black-tail females in size and weight young deer to 350 pounds for a Sitka, Alaska, portions... The Rule is pretty straightforwardspecies that live farthest from the equator grow larger than species living closer to equator... Glaringly bright white when they are running Saskatchewan in Canada named due their. Remember, Bergmanns Rule makes plenty of sense when you think about colder climates versus climates... They raise their tails up easiest way to get an idea see a clear difference in each when! However, Northern populations have lighter, and it is often their whitish that. Goal is to create helpful & engaging content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged if. Any other deer species, nocturnal behavior may increase due to their ears! Tail that stands straight up when the ice melted, blacktails spread along the west coast while... Taller and more forky type of rack intercept, where you can see a clear difference in each when! And deer enthusiasts in western North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately years... Sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago than corn or hay lie their... Do this to feast on new-growth shrubbery and other emerging vegetation in the warmer,... Below to get an idea brown tail with a large amount of time meticulously spent glassing area. Columbian white-tailed deer much more widespread Columbia, Canada, and it comes down to what of. Helpful when youre looking for those signs whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and.... Sitka, Alaska, and southern populations are darker comparatively in if you register also! Spotting them difficult, but it is not a common phenomenon for blacktail deer are a!

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