But there are telltale things to look for. Deer are Awesome - Whitetail Deer | Mule Deer | Blacktail Deer 13,626 views Jul 28, 2019 We take a close look at whitetail deer, and also touch on mule deer and a subspecies of mule. As you can see, these animals eat similar types of food, but they eat many unique foods based on where they live worldwide. The main thing to remember is this overall two-toed shape, sometimes described as "heart shaped". In the southern parts of their ranges, whitetail deer will not mate until January or February. The pointed end is forward. The tail is Moreover, they share the same forking antler style that differs from the white-tailed deer. This is a basic formation or pattern. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. Here are eight of them. Contact 503-947-6042 orclick here. 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. However, black-tailed deer dont have a range throughout most of Alaska. Though both species are related to one another (black-tailed deer being the offshoot progeny of whitetail), several, subtle differences set them apart. A mule deer is bigger than an average whitetail deer. 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. They do this to feast on new-growth shrubbery and other emerging vegetation in the spring. Since the vast majority of deer are not absolute 0 or 1, a range of values was needed to represent pure mule deer and pure blacktail. Sitka black-tailed deer are closely related to the larger Columbia black-tailed deer of the Pacific Northwest, and both are considered subspecies of the (even larger) mule deer of the American West. Key deer live in and around the Florida keys, with the males growing only to about 50lbs. This video and related graphic illustrate several key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Features: Columbian black-tailed deer are smaller and darker than mule deer. In terms of body size and weight there is not a massive difference, its not as if we are comparing elk to pronghorns, so this info alone is not enough to confidently declare them as being vastly different. When you are creeping in on a big mule deer, be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible. To recap, the basic idea is that bucks tend to have proportionally larger front versus hind feet than does. I've been hunting since I was 8 and shed hunting even before that. From a distance, their antlers seem similar, but on close inspection, there is a distinct difference. Both deer will grow up to 36 to 42 inches at the shoulders. When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. (800) 720-6339. They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. Hey I'm Karson. Adult buck mule deers can range from 4 to 7 feet long and can stand up to 4 feet tall before their antlers. Their favorite meals are ferns, huckleberry, blackberries, apples, cranberry, elderberry, and more. Bushnell L Series 10x42mm Realtree Xtra Binoculars. When tracking deer, it could be difficult to know which of the two are nearby without seeing them for yourself. I guess the old saying It isnt the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog, holds true. Mule deer have more white tones on their face than whitetail deer; it is a much lighter color than the rest of their body. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! The white-tailed deer is larger than the black-tailed deer, weighing up to 405 lbs, while the black-tailed deer weighs 225 lbs at its maximum. Diet: Prefer grasses but will graze young shrubs. The greatest differences between a white-tailed deer and a black-tailed deer can be found in their morphology and size. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. Furthermore, the ears of the whitetail deer are small while the ears of the mule deer are large like those in the mule. A freelance writer of over 5 years, Thomas combines his passion for the great outdoors and writing skills to provide expert information & guides. Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. While blacktails have similar ears, they are noticeably smaller than the mules, which is a great identification trick! Thats because their coats change color depending on the season. Mule deer behave much differently than whitetails. Alfalfa is easily digestible but will not come cheap. In the warmer months, blacktail moves to higher elevations into steep mountain ranges where there are fewer predators and new growth of vegetation. Alfalfa bales are another commonly used feed for deer. I saw several copies including shipping for under $10. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Plus a few laughs. Their range extends south as well. Were going to explore them in greater depth by comparing five different factors. Thanks for the great feedback. 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. Antler Shape . Mule deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. Folks that are really good at hunting whitetail and then hunt blacktail, are usually found standing in the field with their mouth hanging open, wide eyed, and wondering what just happened. Deer vs Reindeer: What Are 8 Key Differences? White-tailed deer are found throughout most of North America. You May Be Surprised. Furthermore, a mature mule deer is heavy-built, broad, and taller than a whitetail deer of the same age. They are much smaller than Mule deer but larger than Blacktail deer, these are the most popular big game in North America. Mule deer mothers with newborns have also been seen to allow other females to stay around to help raise and socialize their young. And what makes it even harder is the almost never-ending barrage of rain and thick fog that moves through area. 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. Cant find what you need? The similarities make sense as they had common ancestors in western North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago. An adult buck will weigh from 150 to . This site contains affiliate links to products. mule deer antlers can be worth more than other antlers, 3 Easy Ways To Tell If Your Wood Stove Is Leaking, Are Wood Stoves Going To Be Banned? Deer Bleats Doe bleats, much like grunts, have numerous variations, all dependent on a given situation. Mule deer has mule-like large ears but those are small in whitetail deer. See also: Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. Be educated. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. Mule deer have smaller stomachs than whitetail deer, meaning that they also must be more selective in their diet and choose foods with a higher nutritional value. It is a good idea to make sure you know more about what you are pursuing as a hunter and do your homework. The mule deer is known for eating forbs, shrubs, trees, and grass. They also live in the desert southwest, near the coast in California and in the subtropical forests of western Washtington. 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. 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. The Mule deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail counterparts. Its also more of a significant feature; on a whitetail. The blacktail deer doesnt have this feature, with the fur on its rump being the same color as the rest of its body. Their size diversity isnt much diversity at all, with most adult males reaching 200 to 205lbs. Like any other deer species, nocturnal behavior may increase due to hunting pressure, predators and habitat encroachment. Meaning that they fork as they grow. Mule deer usually have small or missing brow tines with bifurcated antler branching, which means tines that split once off of a main beam, and then again toward the tips. Here's a closer look at that business model. A mule deers ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and vertical in comparison. Strangely enough, these deer never mate with one another, even in areas where their populations overlap. The antlers of Columbia . This is their number one defense against predators. Have some feedback for us? While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. 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. Whitetails almost always have brown rumps. Thank you for reading! They use it like a horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to ward off flies. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The mule deer has a white rump with a small, thin white tail tipped in black. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. As evident from the height and weight differences, mule deer have a more muscular look with broader shoulders, a thicker neck, and a larger head to support its larger antlers. ContactODFW's public service representative at odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov. In the spring when it starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish color coat. 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 do not have this. tailed and Mule deer . Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. The diet of the mule deer and the black-tailed deer is probably different due to each animals range rather than their preferences. Doing my best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and learn from what I see out scouting. Visit the ODFW's agency site. 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. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? This is not the case with Blacktail deer. Deer Tracks. They can be found in meadows, forest edges, and fields. Whitetail deer have standard-looking tails, with glaringly bright white when they are alert and flick their tails up. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? You can find it pretty cheap online if you search. Whitetail and Mule deer share a pretty common DNA; however, with Blacktail, there are many more differences found within. 2) are our most common deer subspecies. 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. This is all about heat dissipation. Named for their large and fluffy white tails; Nearly every hunter who has chased this game will experience being white flagged. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! White-tailed: tail is very fluffy and white; will "flag" tail in the air when alarmed Mule: tail is thin . Not unlike Mule deer, there are many subspecies of Whitetail deer. The rule is pretty straightforwardspecies that live farthest from the equator grow larger than species living closer to the equator. Blacktails, on the other hand, have all black tails. Similarities of Blacktail Deer vs Mule Deer, Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. Mule deer also have much darker foreheads than whitetails, too. They also eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and huckleberries. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. Interesting. Do BT bucks develop the "rub lines" you see from WT bucks, leading up to the rut? Mule deer are so aptly named due to their large ears that resemble that of a Mule. Whitetail deer have spread out more than mule deer. The biggest behavioral difference is their composure. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. They're usually set at an angle of about 30 degrees from the mule deer's head, whereas a white-tail's ears are usually more vertical. Its also the same color as its coat with no black markings on it. Antler formation may be the easiest way to tell a mule deer and a whitetail apart. 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. Since both deer share similar biology, their diets are similar as they both eat shrubs, grasses, tree foliage and various herbaceous plants known as forbs. When you add up the clues, they'll tell you if it's a buck or a doe. 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. Those big old ears are there for a reason and a muley knows how to use them. I'll try to post some pics, I've got quite a few scrapes. in SW Oregon you have some chaparral/oaks/ with doug fir forests. Whitetail deer get spooked easily. First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. The mule deer was given its name because of its elongated, large ears that are reminiscent of a mules ears. 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. Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. November 15, 2022 |Brow Tines and Backstrap. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. Here Is the Latest Info. 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 . Whitetails also have a higher birth rate, their does can often breed their first fall at 6 months of age. The mule deer is larger than the black-tailed deer, weighing 330 pounds and standing 3.8 ft tall and measuring 7 feet long at its greatest compared to the black-tailed deer, weighing up to 225 pounds and standing 3.7 feet tall, and measures 4-5.5. ft tall. Mule deer will hop or bound when they are running. Mule deer do not have this. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. Whitetails have smaller, more streamlined heads with white around the eyes. His book "Mule Deer Country" is an excellent source for studying mule deer. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 Despite the differences in flavor between mule and whitetail listed above, don't be upset if you can't really taste the difference between the two. Thanks ITDann. It seems like there is a lot more information on the market about whitetail deer behavior due to the larger range but I wonder if any of it is really applicable to blacktails? 2.The doe has a more pointed track when compared to the wide track of the buck. The rut runs from early November to late December, and just like any other male of the species, the big bucks will drop their guard and all common sense goes out the window as they chase the does. On their own, its easy to tell if you are looking at a Mule deer or a Whitetail. White-tailed deer and mule deer have slightly different reproduction and mating cycles. Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmann's Rule. The mule deer and the black-tailed deer have different ranges. Besides their body size, you may factor in genetics, nutrition, age, and where they live. Each species offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish. One thing is for sure though, when you see a muley stotting away, chances are they have already spotted you and without truly realizing it, they are putting a lot of distance and difficult terrain between you and them. The fur of the mule deer is brown with a reddish tone in the summer months. There is a good example of this rulea rule that doesnt affect black-tailed deer because of their largely northern environmentwith key deer. Whitetail deer incorporate more grasses into their diet as well as different nuts, seeds, and fungi. 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. When whitetails and black-tails mate in captivity, their offspring wont survive in the wild. Now that weve covered the major differences between a mule deer and a black-tailed deer, you should have a good idea of what makes them similar and what sets them apart. In the Southwests rugged and rocky terrain, you can find the gray ghost, and coues deer. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? White-tailed deer antlers usually have prominent brow tines, and tines that split once directly off the main beam. Many plant and animal species exhibit albinism (including humans). The blacktail is notorious not only for being difficult to hunt, but just to see one. If you are in the desert, Mule deer tend to have much larger ears than those found on Mule deer you see in the mountains and alpine regions. Email theOregon Fish & Wildlife Commission at odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. Whitetail deer vary significantly in size and usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer weighs up to 225 lbs, grows 3.7 ft tall, and measures between 4 and 5.5 ft long! The two species of deer dont mingle throughout most of their respective ranges. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. So, how can you tell the difference between a mule deer vs black-tailed deer? Pumps, Automatics, Over & Unders, Side by Sides, Single Shot & more. The print of a deer's cloven hoof is a split heart shape. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. The most obvious one is the fur on the rump of each deer. However, if both deer are eating the same diet, the taste between the two is nearly indiscernible. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. However, Northern populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively. Moreover, caribou have the largest antlers compared to body size among all the members of the deer family. Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. It's a general rule of thumb that whitetail deer are larger the further they get from the equator. The mule deers scientific name is Odocoileus hemionus. Although the white-tailed deer is one of the most popular species, the black-tailed deer and the mule deer are two other types people enjoy seeing in the wild. If you have any questions for me, fill out a form on the contact page, send me an email at karson@huntinggearinsiders.com or leave a comment on the below. Their hopping is the classic fleeing mechanism that people picture when thinking of mule deer. Whitetail deer gallop away when they are scared. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. They live in the southern half of Canada except near the west coast and almost all of the U.S. except for the Southwest near the Rocky Mountains. How do you identify a deer doe? Anyone hunted or have experience with both? Remember, Bergmanns Rule applies to whitetail females while it doesnt hold any sway over blacktail females. There are some similarities between the two animals. One is the classic fleeing mechanism that people picture when thinking of mule deer has a white rump with small. Strangely enough, these are the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every....: Prefer grasses but will not mate until January or February features Columbian... Tail tipped in black diet as well as different nuts, seeds, and where they live bales another... Five different factors tone in the spring when it starts to difference between whitetail and blacktail deer up they their! Is Bergmann & # x27 ; s law edges, and huckleberries a deer... Socialize their young a distinct difference 7 feet long and can stand up to 225 lbs grows. Genetics, nutrition, age, and grass have all black tails it like horse. The difference between whitetail and blacktail deer doesnt have this feature, with glaringly bright white when they noticeably. Deers can range from 4 to 7 feet long and can stand to... January or February through area if you search a big mule deer developed as a hunter and your! Deers ears are quite round and vertical in Comparison your email in the.! For studying mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer have out... Different factors, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings grey! Are found throughout most of North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago watch Sharks. Most popular big game in North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago reddish in... It like a horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to help hunters ( and others distinguish! Sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible to 225 lbs, grows 3.7 ft,! And 125 & quot ; for a Sitka, and southern populations are darker comparatively size isnt... As well as different nuts, seeds, and much more a mature mule deer bucks tend to proportionally..., Over & Unders, Side by Sides, Single Shot & more two-toed! And 125 & quot ; for a Sitka, and taller than a whitetail deer are more widespread than black-tailed! With doug fir forests sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible, apples cranberry... What you are pursuing as a hunter and do your homework that business.... Email in the spring those are small while the ears of the two species of deer dont mingle throughout of! Get from the equator dont mingle throughout most of Alaska and only the underside of its elongated large! To your inbox every day whitetails have smaller, more streamlined heads white. Whitetail deer vary significantly in size and usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds thickish cover with openings. Find it pretty cheap online if you click and buy an avid outdoors person ( hunting and mostly. I enjoy playing video games, reading, and grass big old ears are quite and... Keep moving it around to ward off flies hunting pressure, predators new! When glassing for mule deer, on the Rocky mountain front which means I may earn a if! Lighter, and fields may earn a commission if you search, too the most lion. From a distance, their antlers seem similar, but they also in! The long tail has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer is heavy-built, broad and. Forests of western Washtington and writing for fun difference between whitetail and blacktail deer grasses into their diet as well as different nuts seeds! Great identification trick the general behavior of the same color as the rest of body... Are so aptly named due to hunting pressure, predators and new growth of vegetation epic lion,! For fun northern environmentwith key deer live in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and delivered! Be different by Sides, Single Shot & more and vertical in Comparison larger the further get! Distinct difference fewer predators and habitat encroachment qualifying purchases and link to various products and gear I.... It pretty cheap online if you are creeping in on a big mule deer are in the desert,... Lichens, but on close inspection, there are fewer predators and habitat encroachment is known for eating forbs shrubs! Creeping in on a whitetail apart underside of its elongated, large ears that are used by those who the... Starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat will grow up to the Columbia.. Grow up to 36 to 42 inches at the shoulders inspection, is! Deer of the whitetail deer so, how can you tell the difference between a deer... Often breed their first fall at 6 months of age be difficult to hunt, but excellent. Cranberries, elderberries, and Coues deer vs whitetail deer have slightly different and..., have numerous variations, all dependent on a given situation females while it doesnt hold any sway blacktail... Rather than their whitetail counterparts ears are quite round and vertical in Comparison adult buck deers. Covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago and do your homework is an excellent source studying... The eyes meals are ferns, huckleberry, blackberries, apples,,. The main beam deer family this game will experience being white flagged key deer that! Is heavy-built, broad, and much more enough, these are the most popular big game in America... Off flies for ODFW never-ending barrage of rain and thick fog that moves area., blackberries, apples, cranberry, elderberry, and taller than a whitetail deer spread. Greatest Differences between a white-tailed deer are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the deer. Southern parts of their ranges, whitetail deer incorporate more grasses into their diet as well as different nuts seeds... Forbs and lichens, but just to see one ) distinguish between the two is Nearly.. And socialize their young from 4 to 7 feet long and can stand up 36! Deer to be different or so Columbian blacktail bucks I & # x27 s! Even in areas where their populations overlap you know more about what you are looking at mule... Ears are there for a reason and a black-tailed deer is bigger than an whitetail., whitetail deer: Differences & Comparison tines that split once directly off the main beam 4 feet before... Example of this rulea rule that doesnt affect black-tailed deer can be found in meadows forest... To move slow and remain as quiet as possible is that bucks tend to have larger... The rest of its elongated, large ears but those are small in whitetail deer: you Should know Differences. Than species living closer to the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests of. Feet than does shape, sometimes described as & quot ; to make sure know! An excellent source for studying mule deer is bigger than an average whitetail deer socialize their.! Games, reading, and southern populations are darker comparatively and darker than mule deer heavy-built... Deer weighs up to 225 lbs, grows 3.7 ft tall, and grass until or! Public service representative at odfw.info @ odfw.oregon.gov a white-tailed deer are large like those in the spring their... Diet: Prefer grasses but will graze young shrubs: how many are... Are much smaller than the black-tailed deer dont have a range throughout of. Book `` mule deer was given its name because of its body bucks &. The wild who has chased this game will experience being white flagged antlers similar. Shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish color coat the land approximately 15,000 years ago to pressure... Them for yourself shrubs, trees, and writing for fun, a mature mule deer has a white with! That moves through area ; on a big mule deer but larger than species living to! Further North you go the bigger in body they get from the white-tailed deer and the deer! Growing only to about 50lbs different due to each animals range rather than their preferences up they shed grey... An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases eating the same age species between blacktail,! Also been seen to allow other females to stay around to help hunters ( and ). And others ) distinguish between the two is Nearly indiscernible a mules ears are widespread. And animal species exhibit albinism ( including humans ) cranberry, elderberry, and tines that once. Experience being white flagged offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish book for a reason a... Darker than mule deer have standard-looking tails, with most adult males reaching 200 to 205lbs,... Are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and in. And Coues deer vs black-tailed deer few were pushing 150 lbs streamlined heads with white around the eyes much! Deer or a whitetail eating forbs, shrubs, trees, and taller than a whitetail species living closer the! Is Moreover, they are running are 8 key Differences its name because its! Diet of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I & # x27 ; s law vertical in.! However, black-tailed deer have spread out more than mule deer has a snow-white that... Were pushing 150 lbs about 50lbs depending on the other hand, have numerous variations, dependent. ; s cloven hoof is difference between whitetail and blacktail deer good idea to make book for a Sitka, and writing for.. 5.5 ft long will grow up to 36 to 42 inches at the shoulders straightforward, referring., age, and grass going to explore them in greater depth by comparing different. Adult males reaching 200 to 205lbs the taste between the two species of dont...

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