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. They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. Sitkas also are larger in the body. Today, it can still be a means of survival for people but it has turned into more of a tradition. 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. 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. If black-tailed deer were to migrate south, the diseases that whitetails are immune to would kill them quickly. 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. The Antlers Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. The mule deer has larger ears than the black-tailed deer, a quality that grants this deer its name. Deer vs Reindeer: What Are 8 Key Differences? They try to see what is making the noise before bounding off. A freelance writer of over 5 years, Thomas combines his passion for the great outdoors and writing skills to provide expert information & guides. Blacktails have slightly larger heads with black patterning around the brows. 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? You can find it pretty cheap online if you search. 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. Very well done, Dan. Furthermore, a mature mule deer is heavy-built, broad, and taller than a whitetail deer of the same age. 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 . First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. 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. When you are creeping in on a big mule deer, be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible. Mule deer have a darker forehead than that of a 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. With trophy deer tipping the scale at 130-150 pounds. The Sitka black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) is smaller, stockier, and has a shorter face than other members of the black-tailed group. This transitions to a muted brown, almost gray, in the winter months, to better match the snowy, rocky surroundings. In the Pacific Northwest and into Canada and Alaska, you can find Blacktail deer. In fact, Mule deer and Whitetail can have hybrid offspring, though it is very uncommon, and most do not survive. 2) are our most common deer subspecies. To recap, the basic idea is that bucks tend to have proportionally larger front versus hind feet than does. Most hunters and deer enthusiasts in western North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? Yet, the mule deer and the black-tailed deer are closely related and difficult to tell apart. 1998), but interbreeding also can occur between mule deer bucks and white-tailed does. But as their habitats and ranges are rather separated, each has a different diet unique to their areas. They do this to feast on new-growth shrubbery and other emerging vegetation in the spring. Reproduction. Lifespan: Up to 16 years. Once you have located the ideal habitat, get to a vantage point, and find a comfortable spot, settle in and be patient. 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. The black-tailed deer has a much smaller range than the mule deer, even though they overlap in some areas. White-tailed deer are found throughout most of North America. Animals in colder and more northern regions are larger compared to those animals who live in warm, more southern regions. 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. There are several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell mule deer and blacktail deer apart. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Cant find what you need? Mule and blacktail deer have even been known to interbreed, so a deer with a hybrid of each species characteristics is possible. 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. Check outourstories, videos and hard-hitting how-to'sondeer hunting. Mule deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. Spot and stalk are always the best option, with a large amount of time meticulously spent glassing the area. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. 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. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. While the specifics of each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer. Whitetails are much more aggressive than mule deer. All Rights Reserved. The mule deer has done increasingly well at adapting to drier more arid areas. However, Northern populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state. Axis deer are generally considered by most hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? There isn't a huge difference in how they act there form what I've been told. They would be happy to give you more information to make sure you are legal. Cost Breakdown of a Deer Shoulder Mount . You can also find them in the Southwest U.S. and up and down the western coast of North America. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. Whitetail deer get spooked easily. A whitetail is a whitetail, and there is nothing else like it. White-tailed deer eat a greater variety of foods because they can access more foods. . The white-tailed deer is larger than the black-tailed deer in every measure. . Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are native to the Western part of North America and have a rather large and expansive area where they can be found. Mule deer behave much differently than whitetails. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. White-tailed deer are one of the most common in the Americas, but there are some less-known creatures, like black-tailed deer. Most deer hunters field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the field. Both mule deer and whitetail deer hear extremely well. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. Whitetail deer have spread out more than mule deer. And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather. Others have hunted and continue to hunt both. They tend to be higher up and in rocky areas. 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. Email theOregon Fish & Wildlife Commission at odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov. They are edge-adapted species using the region's dense forest cover . Also the back of Black-tailed Deer ears tends to be dark, and they tend to be smaller and darker overall. There are many factors to differentiate mule deer and whitetail deer for hunting or observing their lifestyles. Mule deer will hop or bound when they are running. The mule deers scientific name is Odocoileus hemionus. Sitka blacktails have a strong physical resemblance to whitetail deer, while Columbia blacktails have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer. They will shoot up their tail and run at the first sign of danger. Whitehead, Jr., C. J. But mule deer also have some white in their tails, so whats the difference? Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. The mule deer was given its name because of its elongated, large ears that are reminiscent of a mules ears. Remember, Bergmanns Rule applies to whitetail females while it doesnt hold any sway over blacktail females. Even with the tail down, a black-tailed deers tail has an outline of black, from the point to the base. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Your email address will not be published. Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmanns Rule. Mule Deer vs Black-tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Size varies greatly from region to region and from one subspecies to another. As you can see, many different types of deer roam across North (and South) America. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. These deer are named for the regions that they can be found in and have a different yet similar appearance to each other. Big game hunting and deer hunting especially have been around for thousands of years. The black-tailed mature bucks, specifically the Columbia blacktail deer, weigh in around 150 to 200lbs with the does coming in considerably lighter. Do not hesitate to call your local Game Warden or Department of Natural Resources if you have questions. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The black-tailed deer has a distinct range too. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! Sharper toes typically indicate a younger deer, but this varies . Like any other deer species, nocturnal behavior may increase due to hunting pressure, predators and habitat encroachment. On the other hand, it can mean that your soul and spirit needed cleansing. His book "Mule Deer Country" is an excellent source for studying mule deer. Click here for Deer Tracks Chart Sometimes, they can even have a dull orangish hue to them. Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. Crappy Weather/ Days off just not lining up for Coyotes. The black-tailed deer has very similar ears. Thanks Orygun. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. The two species of deer dont mingle throughout most of their respective ranges. Body size and facial features indicate a mule deer but the tail is usually dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath. In Montana, they have trophy Mule deer. The ranges of the subspecies of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer exist no . Of course, Bergmanns Rule makes plenty of sense when you think about colder climates versus warmer climates. 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. Yet, the obvious difference between the two deer is that the blacktail has less white on the rump and a blacker, thicker tail than the mule deer. Their ranges occasionally intercept, where you would be able to find both species in the same area. Throughout most of the year, both blacktails and mule deer like to travel alone or in very small groups. 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. 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. Since whitetails are more spread out, in terms of north and south, than blacktails, there are vast differences in the size of whitetails. We have clearly shown how similar and different these animals can be, so its up to you to make the right call. The size difference in the heads is only slight, and it would be difficult to tell them apart without physically measuring them. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. Their facial fur follows this same pattern as well, with mule deer having brighter facial features with more white fur. The diet of the mule deer and the black-tailed deer is probably different due to each animals range rather than their preferences. Visit the ODFW's agency site. 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. The ranges of each species have been well documented. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? This video and related graphic illustrate several key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Do BT bucks develop the "rub lines" you see from WT bucks, leading up to the rut? 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. Not unlike Mule deer, there are many subspecies of Whitetail deer. A larger front track (above) of a white-tailed deer is stepped on by a smaller hind track. This is their number one defense against predators. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. The white-tailed deer is Odocoileus virginianus, and the black-tailed deer is Odocoileus hemionus columbianus. They prefer more open, sparsely forested areas that have rugged, rocky terrain. In mating season and other times of the year, however, mule deer appear to form larger herds of females who all share the same mother and males from different families. 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 mule deer is known for having exceptionally large ears that resemble those of a mule. Two of these species are often confused with one another because they share many similarities; the mule and blacktail deer. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. In most cases, the mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail. Walk and stalk if you please, but remember that blacktail knows every trail, leaf, branch, clearing and mud pile in that area and so while you stumble along, kicking rocks, stepping on dry branches and making your presence known to every animal on the Pacific coast, that blacktail has slipped further into the dark forest without you even knowing it was there. Access Map to help Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and view wildlife. 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. Calls have been used with good success at luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can get a clean shot. a whitetail will win a fight between the two, ourstories, videos and hard-hitting how-to'sondeer hunting, 12 Reasons Why Your Venison Tastes Like Hell, 20 Deer Hunting Lies Your Granddaddy Told You, Southeastern Region Turkey Hunting Forecast. This is when its tail is the most prominent. Stories of successfully calling in muleys or bringing in bucks by rattling antlers together are few and far between, but it may still be a good option to get a buck to show himself, if the signs of tracks are fresh and you are certain he is held up in some dense brush. Blacktail mothers are more protective and will chase away other deer to protect their young. Mule deer has mule-like large ears but those are small in whitetail deer. This process usually involves removing the entrails, reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part of the esophagus. They tend to live near rivers and fields where water and food are easy to come by. And it comes down to what side of the line they died upon. If youve never hunted one of these animals, its important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the other. After all, that is where mule deer get their name. Predator Hunting (Coyote, Bobcat, Fox, Wolf, Cougar, etc. Whitetails almost always have brown rumps. Have some feedback for us? Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmann's Rule. Another major difference between these two creatures is their antlers. Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of 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. Albinism is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes. 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. The other subspecies would be the Sitka deer or Sitka Blacktail. 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. That pretty much says it all. 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. Blacktails, on the other hand, have all black tails. The difference between whitetail, mule, and blacktail deer There are close relatives of the caribou, moose, and elk on the other side of the Pacific. Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? 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. It was a means of survival for our early ancestors. 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. Though both species are related to one another (black-tailed deer being the offshoot progeny of whitetail), several, subtle differences set them apart. 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. Thanks ITDann. The white-tailed deer is known for having a bushy brown tail with a white underside for which it is named, while the black-tailed deer has a shorter, less bushy, black tail. It is a good idea to make sure you know more about what you are pursuing as a hunter and do your homework. They have been given these names to describe their key characteristics and what makes them stand out from other deer. Given that they can inhabit the same area and can even interbreed, knowing the difference between them can be tricky. Deer in the north have to have thicker hiders and fat layers to resist the chill. 7+6+3=16. A mule deer will generally be larger than a whitetail. They also live in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada. Antlers Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. That way, we can see how theyre different in obvious ways, like body type, and less-obvious ways, like species. They have much larger home ranges and of course winter ranges.

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