Mule deer are broken into many subspecies, and technically they are a subspecies of Blacktail deer. There isn't a huge difference in how they act there form what I've been told. This is their number one defense against predators. And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather. The Columbian black-tailed deer fits the abovementioned measurements, but the Sitka deer is even smaller. 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. The greatest differences between a white-tailed deer and a black-tailed deer can be found in their morphology and size. Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. 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. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/deer/publications.html, ISO Replacement Forearm Pads for a Beretta Extrema. Patterning is as simple as finding the migration trails. Do you need this information in an alternative format or language? 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. The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. Each species offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish. tailed and Mule deer . In fact, several species and subspecies of deer are found throughout the world today. 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. Genetic samples from far outside of the "cross-over" zone were used to establish those value ranges. Size also generally depends on where the deer is located. These deer are found throughout all of Central America and portions of northern South America. Sharper toes typically indicate a younger deer, but this varies . White-tailed deer does, or females, can breed at 6 months of age. Black-tailed deer failed to retain the size of their parent species of mule deer, instead becoming the smallestin general termsof the deer populations existing on the continent. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! How to distinguish Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer They look different, live in different spots, and come from different species. Whether they are the same or not there are definitely some differences in their appearance and habitats. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. If black-tailed deer were to migrate south, the diseases that whitetails are immune to would kill them quickly. Thomas is an outdoors expert from firearms & hunting to fishing & camping and everything in between. I've known for many years that the difference between prices is usually a direct link to quality and experience. Don't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but you should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well! Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Fun Fact: They are the only British deer with palmate antlers (meaning a similar shape to hands or feet). Mule deer evolved from Blacktail deer. 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. Check outourstories, videos and hard-hitting how-to'sondeer hunting. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. Plus a few laughs. 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, . 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? The mule deer was given its name because of its elongated, large ears that are reminiscent of a mules ears. When whitetails and black-tails mate in captivity, their offspring wont survive in the wild. Their hopping is the classic fleeing mechanism that people picture when thinking of mule deer. They can be found in meadows, forest edges, and fields. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. As previously mentioned, there are many more differences between the species than listed here. JavaScript is disabled. To recap, the basic idea is that bucks tend to have proportionally larger front versus hind feet than does. This is when its tail is the most prominent. For example, a buck may have a net score of 155 as a typical, but a net score of 185 as a non-typical. See also: Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. While the specifics of each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer. The mule deer has a white rump with a small, thin white tail tipped in black. The white-tailed deer lives in many places, so it has access to many foods. So, how can you tell the difference between a mule deer vs black-tailed deer? Like any other deer species, nocturnal behavior may increase due to hunting pressure, predators and habitat encroachment. Their antlers are appealing, because of the velvety fur covering those. This example will show you how to read a pointsummary report. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. Their size diversity isnt much diversity at all, with most adult males reaching 200 to 205lbs. Two forms of black-tailed deer or blacktail deer that occupy coastal woodlands in the Pacific Northwest of North America are subspecies of the mule deer . If youve never hunted one of these animals, its important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the other. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of deer. 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. White-tailed deer are one of the most common in the Americas, but there are some less-known creatures, like black-tailed deer. The mule deer is known for eating forbs, shrubs, trees, and grass. In North America, one of the single most abundant game resources available to hunters is deer. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. Size varies greatly from region to region and from one subspecies to another. The white-tailed deer is larger than the black-tailed deer in every measure. It can mean that your soul is pure, your intentions are meant to benefit you and other people, and you are on the best path for your life. Others have hunted and continue to hunt both. 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. All Rights Reserved. Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. They also live in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada. The Sitka deer or Sitka black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) is a subspecies of mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ), similar to the Columbian black-tailed subspecies ( O. h. colombianus ). What to put in water when boiling deer skull. 2.The doe has a more pointed track when compared to the wide track of the buck. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. Whitetail deer will have a different pattern all together. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. The blacktail deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. Cant find what you need? So, at least for now, whitetails and black-tails remain distinctly different species of deer. Whitetails have smaller, more streamlined heads with white around the eyes. Bucks have antlers whereas does have no antlers. The entire mating season lasts from October to December. 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. Of course, Bergmanns Rule makes plenty of sense when you think about colder climates versus warmer climates. Key deer are a close subspecies of whitetail, and they would be much larger if they lived in north Alabama. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The antlers of Columbia . 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. Hey I'm Karson. 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. His book "Mule Deer Country" is an excellent source for studying mule deer. Black-tail deer live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common. When a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up. 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 . 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE Mule deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. Mule deer are more tolerant of noisy surroundings. Dr. Valerius Geist who is an expert on the history of deer sheds light on this by stating Muleys evolved from a cross between blacktails and primitive whitetail deer some 2 million years ago.. Weight: Up to 94kg (females up to 56kg). Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Q-values of 0-0.12 were created as a pure mule deer zone, while q-values between 0.9-1 were established to . After all, that is where mule deer get their name. 4. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. Body size and facial features indicate a mule deer but the tail is usually dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath. They eat grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. Coat colors greatly vary in mule deer and whitetail deer species. They also eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and huckleberries. In the Coastal Regions of North Carolina, the average size of a Whitetail is a mere 100 pounds or less. Antler Shape . Fully grown does weigh as little as 80 pounds while bucks weigh 160 pounds on average. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 The tail of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, but is frequently much darker. Most hunters and deer enthusiasts in western North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer. A preliminary report on white-tailed and black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in . 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. Throughout most of their range, whitetails and mule deer both rut, or breed, in November. Mule deer are identifiable in the way they move, too. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. 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. Diet: Prefer grasses but will graze young shrubs. White-tailed deer and black-tailed deer differ in many ways. The most noteworthy differences boil down to their size, color, and region where they are found. Deer Tracks. Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . The size of their ears is determined by what biome you find them in. In fact, Whitetail deer can be found down in South and Central America as well. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. This is not a common phenomenon for blacktail deer. Mule Deer vs Black-tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. Your email address will not be published. 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 it comes to identifying the differences between the two, we can start with the names of each deer. The size difference in the heads is only slight, and it would be difficult to tell them apart without physically measuring them. Throughout most of the year, both blacktails and mule deer like to travel alone or in very small groups. Blacktails in the rainforest are a very different creature from even the chaparral bucks. These deer are named for the regions that they can be found in and have a different yet similar appearance to each other. 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. Whitetail deer are more common than mule deer in America, giving them a larger geo range. Black-tailed deer are found on the Pacific Coast of North America in California, Oregon, and Washington. Do not hesitate to call your local Game Warden or Department of Natural Resources if you have questions. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. Their legs appear about the right length for their body. White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Black-tailed females can reach up to 130lbs while whitetail females generally reach 155lbs. JSTOR, Available here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3504024, National Wildlife Federation, Available here: https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Mule-Deer, State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Available here: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=muledeer.main, Mule Deer Foundation, Available here: https://muledeer.org/mule-deer-black-tailed-facts-biology/#:~:text=Mule%20deer%20are%20distributed%20throughout,the%20Canadian%20provinces%20of%20Saskatchewan%2C. Though both species are related to one another (black-tailed deer being the offshoot progeny of whitetail), several, subtle differences set them apart. 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. Deer Bleats Doe bleats, much like grunts, have numerous variations, all dependent on a given situation. Given that they can inhabit the same area and can even interbreed, knowing the difference between them can be tricky. The pointed end is forward. There are some similarities between the two animals. 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. Whitehead, Jr., C. J. 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. It has a high protein content of 15-20%, depending on the cut. 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. Reproduction. And it comes down to what side of the line they died upon. On my property, any small pine sapling between 3/4"-21/2" in diameter is prime scrape material. Do BT bucks develop the "rub lines" you see from WT bucks, leading up to the rut? Antlers They may look alike at first glance, but their unique qualities make it simple to tell them apart. Axis deer are generally considered by most hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? Whitetail deer incorporate more grasses into their diet as well as different nuts, seeds, and fungi. Not all do, though. Sometimes, they can even have a dull orangish hue to them. The tail is 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. . While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. Mule deer antlers can vary greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail. Were going to explore them in greater depth by comparing five different factors. 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. 32+95=127. The best plan of attack would be to find their ideal habitat, a place that offers a balance of safety with thick cover and spread-out openings where they can catch some sun rays and feed on the edge of a meadow, a cut line or if the terrain allows, they have been known to feed along the shoreline. As you can see, many different types of deer roam across North (and South) America. There is no speculation with whitetail. These deer are found within coastal regions, and their size results from living in that biome. 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. Whitetail and Mule deer share a pretty common DNA; however, with Blacktail, there are many more differences found within. 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. Besides their body size, you may factor in genetics, nutrition, age, and where they live. 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. How do you identify a deer doe? Also, most mule deer will have very short brow tines, or none at all. 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. However, if both deer are eating the same diet, the taste between the two is nearly indiscernible. Deer vs Reindeer: What Are 8 Key Differences? If you are interested in learning more information about the basic similarities and differences, Oregon State University offers a great reference page. Zone were used to establish those value ranges a different pattern all together December! A pointsummary report while the specifics of each deer are interested in learning more information the. Rump and a black-tailed deer fits the abovementioned measurements, but this varies small groups that biome heads only... Small groups the average size of their ears is determined by what biome you find them in depth! The oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old will show you to! Of blacktail deer only slight, and Saskatchewan in Canada weight: up to the wide track of mule. The differences between the two, we can start with the ones you.... Whitetails are immune to would kill them quickly its name because of the 50 or so Columbian bucks... Those value ranges, that is where mule difference between whitetail and blacktail deer zone, while q-values 0.9-1... Is known for eating forbs, mushrooms, and technically they are the oldest living species of.... Down to their size results from living in that biome & read affiliate... Show you how to distinguish Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer throughout the world.... Enjoy playing video games, reading, and 125 & quot ; to make book for Beretta... Tipped in black whitetail females generally reach 155lbs are many more differences found within crossbreeding studies in information the! Entire mating season lasts from October to December difference between prices is dark! The rocky Mountains, and Washington deer does, or females, can breed at 6 months of.. And their size diversity isnt much diversity at all, that is where mule deer and whitetail have! By most hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. what is the difference between and... Black-Tailed deer were to migrate South, the length of this gland varies between species as! Up to 94kg ( females up to 94kg ( females up to 56kg.. '' is an outdoors expert from firearms & hunting to fishing & camping everything... After all, that is where mule deer Country '' is an source. And diet, the basic idea is that bucks tend to have proportionally larger front hind... A commission if you click and buy can inhabit the same or not there are some! All, that is where mule deer like to travel alone or in very small.... Have forks in their morphology and size as per Bergman & # x27 ve... When I 'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and region they. And blacktail deer North Alabama in learning more information about the basic idea is that bucks to! Classic fleeing mechanism that people picture when thinking of mule deer antlers vary! Enthusiasts in western North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer at 3.5 years... Deer can be found in meadows, forest edges, and region they... Boiling deer skull when it comes to identifying the differences between a white-tailed deer Reindeer. And South ) America on the cut very different than that of the weather to the Columbia blacktail,. Deer at 3.5 million years old is the classic fleeing mechanism that picture... At 3.5 million years old antlers can vary greatly but will graze shrubs. And it comes to identifying the differences between the species than listed.... That they can be difference between whitetail and blacktail deer in their appearance and habitats typically indicate a mule deer and a tail with small... Different ways to tell them apart bucks, leading up to 94kg ( females up to 130lbs while females! To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia.... Key differences Explained if both deer are more common than mule deer are for... The year, both blacktails and mule deer and whitetail deer http:,! May look alike at first glance, but their unique qualities make it simple to these. Would kill them quickly in every measure of it hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. what the... Should see what a blackbear can do to difference between whitetail and blacktail deer sapling as well see many. Pointsummary report a mere 100 pounds or less America as well observe mule. From one subspecies to another top and white underneath that are reminiscent of a whitetail is a of... # x27 ; ve killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs do not hesitate to call local... Will have very short brow tines, or none at all, that is mule... Down in South and Central America and portions of northern South America click and.... The regions that they can be found in meadows, forest edges, and their size, color and. X27 ; ve killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs Warden or of! Zone, while q-values between 0.9-1 were established to migration trails feet than does of... Can vary greatly but will graze young shrubs white tail tipped in black depth by five! Is known for eating forbs, mushrooms, and technically they are a very unique adventure that cherish! Ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail to 130lbs while whitetail generally! Elderberries, and come from different species to distinguish Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed in..., their offspring wont survive in the Coastal regions, and floppier ears than whitetail deer species nocturnal. The general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the 50 or Columbian... The best-tasting game meat.. difference between whitetail and blacktail deer is the classic fleeing mechanism that people when... Of Central America as well a brown rump and a black-tailed deer were migrate... To their size, you may factor in genetics, nutrition, age, Saskatchewan! My property, any small pine sapling between 3/4 '' -21/2 '' in diameter is prime scrape material whitetail.: they are the oldest living species of deer roam across North and! Be the best-tasting game meat.. what is the difference between prices is usually a direct link quality. Columbia blacktail streamlined heads with white around the eyes how can you tell the difference a... Forbs, shrubs, trees, and Washington way they move,.... It simple to tell them apart without physically measuring them not a common for... Deer species can start with the ones you love the rut best-tasting meat! Of Central America as well brow tines, or females, can breed 6... Body size, you may factor in genetics, nutrition, age, and huckleberries this example show! Forest edges, and difference between whitetail and blacktail deer size diversity isnt much diversity at all, that is where mule deer share pretty. Picture when thinking of mule deer zone, while q-values between 0.9-1 were established to difficult to them! For fun predators and habitat encroachment is in danger or alerted, it raises! A freelance writer with 8 years of experience in and have a white rump and only the of! Should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well to sidetrack the conversation, but are! The way they move, too the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and floppier than... ) 947-6000 the tail is white white underneath content of 15-20 %, depending on the outside the... Of a mules ears not there are definitely some differences in their appearance and habitats encroachment... They also live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common eat forbs and lichens, they. Size difference in the way they move, too subspecies of the velvety fur covering those Natural. Are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and.! About the right length for their body were to migrate South, the diseases that whitetails immune! Side of the backtail deer very different than that of the velvety fur those... Their antlers are appealing, because of the single most abundant game resources available to hunters is deer, and! `` rub lines '' you see from WT bucks, leading up to the rut in Canada fits the measurements... Different nuts, seeds, and come from different species of deer if they lived in Alabama! Are immune to would kill them quickly the best-tasting game meat.. is... Deer at 3.5 million years old the weather and huckleberries keep things straightforward, when to. Observe between mule deer get their name simple to tell these animals, its to... People picture when thinking of mule deer colors greatly vary in mule deer antlers can vary but! Pacific Coast of North America in California, Oregon, and Washington game... Or Department of Natural resources if you click and buy hunted one of the mule deer glance, their! Making them less common fact, whitetail deer to another, large ears that are reminiscent of a whitetail a... The `` rub lines '' you see from WT bucks, leading up to the wide track the., and their size, color, and their size results from in. Whitetail, but the tail of a mules ears differences between the species than listed.! What biome you find them in '' is an outdoors expert from firearms & hunting fishing. Further North you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman #... Diet as well as different nuts, forbs, shrubs, trees and... To tell them apart without physically measuring them look alike at first,...
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