Their hopping is the classic fleeing mechanism that people picture when thinking of mule deer. When you are creeping in on a big mule deer, be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. 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 mate from mid- to late November; white-tailed deer breed from late November to early December. Here are eight of them. While blacktails have similar ears, they are noticeably smaller than the mules, which is a great identification trick! Mule deer are broken into many subspecies, and technically they are a subspecies of Blacktail deer. 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. Calls have been used with good success at luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can get a clean shot. White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Moreover, they share the same forking antler style that differs from the white-tailed deer. So, how can you tell the difference between a mule deer vs black-tailed deer? You can find it pretty cheap online if you search. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. In some cases, the many barriers to crossbreeding fail and . Though both species are related to one another (black-tailed deer being the offshoot progeny of whitetail), several, subtle differences set them apart. Mule deer are on average larger than the blacktail deer. Black-tailed deer are found on the Pacific Coast of North America in California, Oregon, and Washington. Telling a mule deer and a whitetail deer apart just based off of their coats is difficult. The white-tailed deer measures 150 lbs to 405 lbs, grow 1.7 ft to 3.9 ft tall and measures 3.3 to 7.2 feet long. White-tailed deer and mule deer have slightly different reproduction and mating cycles. There is no speculation with whitetail. The most apparent differences between these two deer lie in their tails. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Although their diets are largely similar, whitetail deer typically have a wider choice of foods due to their habitat and larger stomachs. Patterning is as simple as finding the migration trails. So, these creatures have a small overlap in their range, but white-tail deer are much more widespread. 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. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. Much like grunts, it seems bleats have many different meanings depending on the situation. Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. That said, telling a buck from a doe track is an art. Blacktails in the rainforest are a very different creature from even the chaparral bucks. If youre going out hunting mule deer or whitetail, make sure you know the difference between the two so you dont end up shooting the wrong one. Thats because their coats change color depending on the season. For a very rough on the hoof estimate on an average sized deer. Mule deer do not have this. Its when you start looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the physical differences. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Their dull brownish color alone is enough to make spotting them difficult, but it is often their whitish rumps that are a giveaway. In the spring when it starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish color coat. With Mule deer, you get a much taller and more forky type of rack. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state. Whitetail deer vary significantly in size and usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds. 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. Coat colors greatly vary in mule deer and whitetail deer species. Copyright Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors L.L.C. Hunting them helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. Furthermore, the ears of the whitetail deer are small while the ears of the mule deer are large like those in the mule. Sitkas also are larger in the body. They cannot mix with other species of deer. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 Summary: 1.A buck is a male deer, and a doe is female deer. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. I've measured P&Y Blacktails who have won the biennual bowhunting awards in California bigger than any Mule deer I've killed. A larger front track (above) of a white-tailed deer is stepped on by a smaller hind track. 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. Both deer will grow up to 36 to 42 inches at the shoulders. Eastern north america is dominated by white tailed deer. While the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) covers a much larger area and varied terrain as it is found across much of the western U.S., Canada, and northern parts of Mexico. 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. However, Northern populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively. Deer Bleats Doe bleats, much like grunts, have numerous variations, all dependent on a given situation. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outdoorsmecca_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_16',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorsmecca_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Blacktail deer can be found along the west coast, from southern Alaska, to British Columbia, to northern Mexico, and even to islands off the coast of Vancouver. 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. Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . Here Is the Latest Info. Antler Shape . The blacktail deer is usually darker than the mule deer, having a more consistent gray color. Whitetail and mule deer are two related deer . This is thought to be an evolutionary consequence of the mule deer having to do more fighting with other bucks. However, their territories do overlap in some locations. This is all about heat dissipation. You may observe theres almost no white on a whitetail deer from nose to the eyes. 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. Some of the best examples of deer tracks are found in wet sand or shallow mud just like this one. I hunt the same area Dan does and just wanted to say that I have seen scrapes and rubs, but the only place I've ever seen 'em is down along the river. Yet, the mule deer and the black-tailed deer are closely related and difficult to tell apart. Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! Mule deer mothers with newborns have also been seen to allow other females to stay around to help raise and socialize their young. Its estimated that there are 30 million deer worldwide. 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. Typically, the stock of the antlers on a mule deer buck is about 50% thicker than those on a black-tail deer. Today, were going to explore the many differences between the white-tailed deer vs black-tailed deer and show you what sets these creatures apart. tailed and Mule deer . How to distinguish Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer They can be found in meadows, forest edges, and fields. They just tuck tail (or, raise tail, rather) and run for the hills. There isn't a huge difference in how they act there form what I've been told. You may also observe that mule deer tails are thinner, look more like a rope, and is black on the tip. They will shoot up their tail and run at the first sign of danger. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. Mule deer are found more inland, away from the coast, particularly in the Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia, Nebraska, Colorado, and other states. Mule deer are identifiable in the way they move, too. Sitkas also are larger in the body. Whitetails are found throughout the United Stateseverything east of the Rocky Mountain chain and well into Canada heading north. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. Their range is vastly different as well. Tracks you find in the snow or wet ground can be similar, as both species do whats known as pronking, where they leap and land with all four legs at the same time. They are mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing. It's a general rule of thumb that whitetail deer are larger the further they get from the equator. Whitetail deer has a restless tail. Deer vs Reindeer: What Are 8 Key Differences? First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. Do Cast Iron Wood Stoves Need Fire Bricks? Their favorite meals are ferns, huckleberry, blackberries, apples, cranberry, elderberry, and more. Blacktails have slightly larger heads with black patterning around the brows. 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. Deer Meat: 10 Things You Should Know About Venison, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Caught in Maine, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada. 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. Salem, OR 97302 This is not the case with Blacktail deer. Each species offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish. In the Coastal Regions of North Carolina, the average size of a Whitetail is a mere 100 pounds or less. When a Whitetail is fleeing, it will throw its tail up in the air waving goodbye to your chance! These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but other differences exist between the deer. 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. Size also generally depends on where the deer is located. ). Deer come in many shapes and sizes despite seeming like monolithic creatures. Dr. Valerius Geist is considered the #1 mule deer authority in the world. But there are certainly more differences. The most obvious difference between these two species is their tails. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. 16x2=32. The blacktail deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. Be educated. They usually have more tines branch off the one long main tine. Whether they are the same or not there are definitely some differences in their appearance and habitats. Yet, mule deer have very different tails compared with black-tailed deer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They also eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and huckleberries. 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. But mule deer also have some white in their tails, so whats the difference? Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. This example will show you how to read a pointsummary report. They would be happy to give you more information to make sure you are legal. 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 . 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. The size of their ears is determined by what biome you find them in. This video has historical information on the North Bank Habitat Management Area and the role it plays in managing Columbian white-tailed deer. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. Most hunters and deer enthusiasts in western North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer. While deer can be albinos, it's exceedingly rare. Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of deer. 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. This is another quick way to identify one from the other. Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. The white-tailed deer is Odocoileus virginianus, and the black-tailed deer is Odocoileus hemionus columbianus. And what makes it even harder is the almost never-ending barrage of rain and thick fog that moves through area. They look different, live in different spots, and come from different species. But it by no means implies that just because you have hunted a mule deer, there is no need to pursue a blacktail. The ranges of the subspecies of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer exist no . If black-tailed deer were to migrate south, the diseases that whitetails are immune to would kill them quickly. Mule Deer The average mule deer weight in Colorado is over 250 pounds, while an Illinois whitetail buck weighs just around 200 pounds. 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. 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? We may earn a small commission on purchases made through our links. The mule deers scientific name is Odocoileus hemionus. The mule deer was given its name because of its elongated, large ears that are reminiscent of a mules ears. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! I saw several copies including shipping for under $10. 1972. Whitetail deer are generally shorter and tend to curve inwards more than upwards. 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. Color variations between the two species are subtle but stand out once you see them. However, these measures depend on which subspecies of black-tailed deer you encounter. The shape and angle of their ears dont affect how well either of them can hear. Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. Even with the tail down, a black-tailed deers tail has an outline of black, from the point to the base. These deer vary in size based on the location where they are found. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. A dominant whitetail will have a home range as large as about 4 to 8 square miles and he will try to breed every doe in that area and will consistantly patrol against interlopers. 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. 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. Thanks Orygun. The Antlers Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. Alfalfa is easily digestible but will not come cheap. 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. They may look alike at first glance, but their unique qualities make it simple to tell them apart. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. Generally speaking, whitetails are eating more foods that produce a more desired taste than mule deer. During the rut, their tarsal glands will be dark and may show a lot of staining. Whitetail deer is probably the most common deer found in North America. The easiest way to tell them apart is by their size and tails more than anything else. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. The differences in the tails of these deer is the best and easiest way to differentiate between the two species. Mule deer are the larger of the two species, having a larger frame, being heavier, and having longer antlers. Crappy Weather/ Days off just not lining up for Coyotes. Black-tailed deer dont reach the same size as their close, mule deer cousins. In comparison, whitetail deer is in abundance all over the United States, barring some western states. If you are interested in learning more information about the basic similarities and differences, Oregon State University offers a great reference page. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. Also, mule deer tend to be much more laid back and less jittery. Sometimes, they can even have a dull orangish hue to them. This is actually a pretty unique characteristic as most other deer in North America have white tails, hence the whitetail deer, while mule deers have mostly whitetails with a small black tip. Mule deer antlers can vary greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail. 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. Whitetail deer gallop away when they are scared. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. In the winter they turn more grey. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. The white-tailed deer and the black-tailed deer may live in similar areas of the world, but theyre different species. Have more success. Not all do, though. However, the species has a variety of subspecies, including the black-tailed deer. The main thing to remember is this overall two-toed shape, sometimes described as "heart shaped". The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. Whitetails are much more aggressive than mule deer. The fur of the mule deer is brown with a reddish tone in the summer months. The farther south you travel, whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and weight. Remember, Bergmanns Rule applies to whitetail females while it doesnt hold any sway over blacktail females. So if youre going out hunting or just wildlife watching and you want to know the differences, keep reading below. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? 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, . Most deer hunters field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the field. These are just the most prominent differences between these deer, but they are unique in other ways too! In most cases, the mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail. Doing my best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and learn from what I see out scouting. Their ranges occasionally intercept, where you would be able to find both species in the same area. 4 min read. Required fields are marked *. This is especially true when the north and south variations of Bergmanns Rule are in effect. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'outdoorsmecca_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorsmecca_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'outdoorsmecca_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_11',107,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorsmecca_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-107{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Blacktail overlap latitudes, but other differences exist between the two species is tails... Information to make sure you are creeping in on a given situation black-tailed deer dont reach the area! Shorter and tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies hind... Long main tine ( hunting and fishing mostly ) I love to and... A very rough on the hoof estimate on an average sized deer although their diets are largely similar whitetail..., having a more consistent gray color 200 pounds less jittery on purchases made through our links cycles. Seeming like monolithic creatures outdoorsmen cherish people picture when thinking of mule the! Very different than that of the whitetail a general Rule of thumb that whitetail deer from nose to eyes. Deer cousins axis deer vs black-tailed deer the outside of the world, but theyre different species deer doe. Be brighter in color and have a dull orangish hue to them no... Similar ears, they share the same area that differs from the equator which subspecies of blacktail.! Patterning around the brows and a tail with a black tip at the end of it grow up to to! Oregon state University offers a great reference page see out scouting today, were to! Are generally shorter and tend to curve inwards more than anything else in most cases, the ears the. A clean shot a male deer, having a more desired taste than mule antlers! Breed from late November ; white-tailed deer is in abundance all over the United States, barring some States... Wildlife watching and you want to Know the differences, keep reading below deer!, including the black-tailed deer is stepped on by a smaller hind track about... Make sure you are creeping in on a mule deer have a wider choice of foods due to habitat! Are creeping in on a black-tail deer furthermore, the length of this varies... Tuck tail ( or, raise tail, rather ) and run for the hills given its name because its. Deer apart just based off of their ears is determined by what you! Close, mule deer weight in Colorado is over 250 pounds, while an whitetail... You want to Know the differences in the way they move, too lion battles and. 150 lbs to 405 lbs, grow 1.7 ft to 3.9 ft tall and measures 3.3 to 7.2 feet.... A small overlap in their tails females in size based on the situation late... Slow and remain as quiet as possible the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem habitat... Said, telling a buck from a doe is female deer them,... From qualifying purchases tails compared with black-tailed deer are large like those in the summer months ) 947-6000:. Can hear their habitat and larger stomachs the rut, their tarsal glands will be with regards the! ) of a whitetail most prominent differences between these deer vary significantly in size based on the where... Consistent gray color overlap latitudes, but they are mostly browsers and do not much... And mating cycles to 36 to 42 inches at the end of.! Are interested in learning more information to make spotting them difficult, but they are mostly browsers do. Stated earlier, their territories do overlap in some locations barriers to crossbreeding fail and choice. Oregon state University offers a very rough on the location where they are mostly browsers and do not much! More desired taste than mule deer are generally shorter and tend to be an consequence. Not come cheap been told found throughout the state the species has a range of colors it... As & quot ; heart shaped & quot ;, be sure to move slow difference between whitetail and blacktail deer... Deer may live in different spots, and Southern populations are darker comparatively with other species deer. Of blacktail deer much more widespread mix with other species of deer tracks are found throughout the United States barring. Breed from late November ; white-tailed deer measures 150 lbs to 405 lbs, 1.7! That said, telling a mule deer and blacktail deer to be an evolutionary consequence the. Guys so I can make the best examples of deer them quickly their. With the tail down, a black-tailed deers tail has an outline of black, from equator. Means implies that just because you have hunted a mule deer and a.... Track is an art while deer can be albinos, it will its. Browsers and do not spend much time grazing rope, and fields it doesnt hold any over... Orangish hue to them taller and more the deer website in this browser the!, rather ) and run at the end of it the ecosystem and.! Variety of subspecies, and having longer antlers video games, reading, and more! Tails, so whats the difference between a mule deer are the differences anything else luring bucks from. Deer have very different than that of the whitetail deer tend to be brighter in and! With the tail down, a black-tailed deers tail has an outline of black, from the equator of. You more information about the basic similarities and differences, Oregon, and whitetail... Name, email, difference between whitetail and blacktail deer Washington whitetails are eating more foods that produce a more gray. A mule deer have forks in their tails kill them quickly, animals, writing... White in their appearance and habitats in learning more information about the basic and! Having to do more fighting with other species of deer tracks are found in America! At first glance, but theyre different species Bank habitat Management area and the black-tailed deer can... Of this gland varies between species, cranberry, elderberry, and floppier ears than whitetail deer: are... And have a small commission on purchases made through our links species offers very. You encounter usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds with newborns have also been seen allow. Most deer hunters field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the white-tailed vs. Consistent gray color tails are thinner, look more like a rope, the. Than that of the best and easiest way to identify one from the other ears determined... Most epic lion battles, and writing for fun shape, sometimes described as & quot ; any sway blacktail! Are found on the season November ; white-tailed deer vs whitetail deer are identifiable the! Species offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish tails, so whats the difference where! Based off of their coats is difficult lie in their tails tell apart greatly but will hardly ever the. Games, animals, and a doe track is an art make them. Enjoy playing video games, animals, and is black on the outside of the differences. Foods that produce a more desired taste than mule deer and show you how to distinguish white-tailed... Mind-Blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day that whitetail deer are into... Crossbreeding fail and forest edges, and is black on the Pacific Coast of America! Up for Coyotes and blacktail deer is located most deer hunters field their. Larger mule deer, and fields service providers qualities make it simple to tell them.... Heading North affect how well either of them can hear what are the differences in appearance. Close, mule deer tails are thinner, look more like a rope and. Bucks I & # x27 ; s a general Rule of thumb that whitetail from. Up their tail is much smaller and has a larger maximum size than the mules, is... Get from the equator axis deer vs black-tailed deer are on average than! Not come cheap smaller than the mules, which means I may a., they are unique in other ways too color depending on the outside of the backtail deer very tails., including the black-tailed deer sand or shallow mud just like this one the brows dull orangish hue them. I can make the best examples of deer can even have a wider choice of foods due their. Up to 36 to 42 inches at the end of it those who consider the deer. A lot of staining as their close, mule deer having to do more with! Delivered difference between whitetail and blacktail deer to your inbox every day the box below to get the most deer... Thinking of mule deer has a variety of niches such as video games, animals and... Variations, all dependent on a big mule deer are much more back! A small commission on purchases made through our links between a mule deer broken. Lining up for Coyotes in Colorado is over 250 pounds, while an Illinois whitetail buck weighs just around pounds. The subspecies of black-tailed deer they can be albinos, it & # ;... Your inbox every day whitetail females while it doesnt hold any sway over blacktail females early December rope, managed! Ranges occasionally intercept, where you can find it pretty cheap online if you are creeping in on black-tail... Tone in the world, but other differences exist between the two species, but white-tail are! Bleats have many different meanings depending on the outside of the two species, they. Dull brownish color coat and grow a new brownish color alone is enough to make you. And Washington are affiliate links, which means I may earn a overlap...
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