Telling a mule deer and a whitetail deer apart just based off of their coats is difficult. Significantly, both deer have white in their neck areas. A preliminary report on white-tailed and black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in . We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. 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. The shape and angle of their ears dont affect how well either of them can hear. The antlers of the mule deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which means they fork as they grow. Damn Dan. Another difference is physical shape. 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 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. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Also, mule deer tend to be much more laid back and less jittery. Today, it can still be a means of survival for people but it has turned into more of a tradition. When a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up. Were going to explore them in greater depth by comparing five different factors. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer weighs up to 225 lbs, grows 3.7 ft tall, and measures between 4 and 5.5 ft long! This is different than how Whitetail antlers grow, which come from a single beam and branch out as they grow. Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. The entire mating season lasts from October to December. They are mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing. They cannot mix with other species of deer. Its also the same color as its coat with no black markings on it. However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. 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. 20+ Foods, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. 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. Add the lengths of the G2, G3 and G4 (if present) multiply by 2 and add 95. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer is either Odocoileus hemionus columbianus or the Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis. These deer can be found in northern Mexico along with Baja California. Thanks for the great feedback. I've known for many years that the difference between prices is usually a direct link to quality and experience. Or as difficult as finding them. They follow a similar pattern to blacktails, avoiding the deep snow by going to lower elevations in the winter and moving higher in the summer. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? The Sitka black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) is smaller, stockier, and has a shorter face than other members of the black-tailed group. 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. This will be at no cost to you. These deer are named for the regions that they can be found in and have a different yet similar appearance to each other. The similarities make sense as they had common ancestors in western North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago. 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 feel safest on brush covered hillsides, deep draws and areas that offer a good mix between browsing and grazing options. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! Though both species are related to one another (black-tailed deer being the offshoot progeny of whitetail), several, subtle differences set them apart. Antlers 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. Hello, and thank you for visiting Outdoors Mecca. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. Here's a closer look at that business model. Hunting them helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat. As the name suggests, black-tailed deer have a wide, triangular tail with a dark brown or black top and a white underside. In fact, Mule deer and Whitetail can have hybrid offspring, though it is very uncommon, and most do not survive. Interestingly, they live in rural and suburban areas, so people commonly see them. The mule deers scientific name is Odocoileus hemionus. Black-tail deer live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common. The ranges of each species have been well documented. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. Whitetails are much more aggressive than mule deer. 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. Shotguns. Others have hunted and continue to hunt both. Meaning that they fork as they grow. Also the back of Black-tailed Deer ears tends to be dark, and they tend to be smaller and darker overall. 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. The predominant successful breeding among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and mule deer does (Carr and Hughes 1993, Cathey et al. Whitehead, Jr., C. J. Copyright 2023 Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit information. White-tailed deer grow antlers off a single beam, but the black-tailed deer have antlers that fork off the main beam. 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. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. Given that they can inhabit the same area and can even interbreed, knowing the difference between them can be tricky. Whitetail deer gallop away when they are scared. Mule deer do not have this. The larger ears found on desert Muleys allow them to stay cooler when its hotter out, and the smaller ones found on the mountain muleys translate to them staying a little warmer. 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. Whitetail deer's ears are still large but not as large as a mule deer's. The most obvious difference between these two species is their tails. White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? The blacktail deer is usually darker than the mule deer, having a more consistent gray color. These deer are found within coastal regions, and their size results from living in that biome. Thank you for reading! Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. Not unlike Mule deer, there are many subspecies of Whitetail deer. In Iowa, people chase some of the worlds largest 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. When you add up the clues, they'll tell you if it's a buck or a doe. The most noteworthy differences boil down to their size, color, and region where they are found. Thats because their coats change color depending on the season. Our blacktails in the Cascades have some muley influence and migrate. The most obvious difference between these two species is their tails. Predator Hunting (Coyote, Bobcat, Fox, Wolf, Cougar, etc. 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. Many different species and subspecies of deer live across North America. 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. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. Mule deer, as a general rule, like to live in rugged areas. Mule deer have more white tones on their face than whitetail deer; it is a much lighter color than the rest of their body. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Whitetails also have a tendency to turn a faded, reddish color in the summer months, which changes to a gray and light tan color in the winter. The color of each deers fur is dependent on their habitat and time of the year, with slight changes happening as the seasons change. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. Also, black-tailed deer have longer ears than white-tailed deer due to their closeness to the mule deer ancestry. Mule deer does take longer to mature. Whitetail mules shed them from Jan to Feb, and mule deer will shed them in Feb or March. 7+6+3=16. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. The Columbia blacktail (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) ranges from central California up into the northern coastal areas of British Columbia, preferring thick vegetation and high rainfall areas. 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. 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 not the case with Blacktail deer. Mule deer have this antler formation that roots up like a fork; it further fragments it into two more forks on each prong stemming from its skull. 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. A mule deers ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and vertical in comparison. A mule deer is bigger than an average whitetail deer. If you are interested in learning more information about the basic similarities and differences, Oregon State University offers a great reference page. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state. An important point to mention is that there are two recognized types of blacktail deer, the Columbia blacktail and the Sitka blacktail. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/deer/publications.html, ISO Replacement Forearm Pads for a Beretta Extrema. 2019 -2022Outdoorworld.reviews - Reliable Outdoor Reviews. The most significant differences between a mule deer and a black-tailed deer lie in their size and the morphology of their tails. Blacktail behavior vs. whitetail behavior? This is a basic formation or pattern. Yes, we get it body size within a species can vary according to diet and habitat but for the most part, the figures below are general sizes. Here are eight of them. At first glance, mule deer and whitetail deer look the same. The mule deer was given its name because of its elongated, large ears that are reminiscent of a mules ears. In fact, Whitetail deer can be found down in South and Central America as well. For example, a buck may have a net score of 155 as a typical, but a net score of 185 as a non-typical. They are much smaller than Mule deer but larger than Blacktail deer, these are the most popular big game in North America. Whitetail and mule deer are two related deer . You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! Can A Fisher Cat Kill A Coyote? The whitetail's metatarsals are below the mid-point of the lower leg, less than 1 inch long, and surrounded by white hairs. This white portion of the tail can only be seen when the deer "flags" or . Alfalfa is easily digestible but will not come cheap. Named for Sitka, Alaska, as they are found mostly in Alaska. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. They look different, live in different spots, and come from different species. I've been hunting since I was 8 and shed hunting even before that. However, Northern populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively. Some just hunt one or the other. Do not hesitate to call your local Game Warden or Department of Natural Resources if you have questions. Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmanns Rule. Much like Mule deer, coues deer are often gray in color during the fall to blend into the Arizona countryside, which they do exceptionally well, so well, in fact, they are referred to as the Gray Ghost by those who have pursued them. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. Key deer live in and around the Florida keys, with the males growing only to about 50lbs. 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. Click here for Deer Tracks Chart The two species of deer dont mingle throughout most of their respective ranges. Mule deer mate from mid- to late November; white-tailed deer breed from late November to early December. Reproduction. These are two subspecies of the mule deer, sharing some but not all qualities with the main stem of the species. Fun Fact: They are the only British deer with palmate antlers (meaning a similar shape to hands or feet). 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. Also, most mule deer will have very short brow tines, or none at all. Required fields are marked *. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They tend to be higher up and in rocky areas. Alfalfa bales are another commonly used feed for deer. 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. While the specifics of each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer. The average mule deer will grow between 95 and 330 pounds in weight, 2.8-3.9 feet in height, and between 4 and 7 feet in length. They may look alike at first glance, but their unique qualities make it simple to tell them apart. Research shows that at this age, most bucks have achieved 50 to 75 percent of their antler-growth potential. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. 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. 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? Sitka blacktails have a strong physical resemblance to whitetail deer, while Columbia blacktails have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer. The differences in the tails of these deer is the best and easiest way to differentiate between the two species. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. ContactODFW's public service representative at odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov. They raise their tails in alarm when they detect threats. During hunting seasons, whitetails prefer thick, brushy bedding areas, while mule deer often choose shady spots near the tops of ridges where they can survey a large area for danger. by Lakna. 4. White-tailed: tail is very fluffy and white; will "flag" tail in the air when alarmed Mule: tail is thin . This color variation doesnt occur in black-tailed deer. 1972. Whitetails are found throughout the United Stateseverything east of the Rocky Mountain chain and well into Canada heading north. Deer Tracks. You may observe theres almost no white on a whitetail deer from nose to the eyes. OutdoorWorld Reviews is a community-supported website. Thank you for reading! So, these creatures have a small overlap in their range, but white-tail deer are much more widespread. Breeding season: Late September to October. The mule deer and the black-tailed deer have different ranges. White-tailed deer eat a greater variety of foods because they can access more foods. 2) are our most common deer subspecies. When it comes to identifying the differences between the two, we can start with the names of each deer. Antler Shape . The blacktail deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) split off from the whitetail at some time in the past, thought to be a million years ago or more. However, black-tailed deer dont have a range throughout most of Alaska. Be educated. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. There are several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell mule deer and blacktail deer apart. Deer Bleats Doe bleats, much like grunts, have numerous variations, all dependent on a given situation. Mule deer are on average larger than the blacktail deer. Size also generally depends on where the deer is located. The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule 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. Sitkas also are larger in the body. The Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. Email theOregon Fish & Wildlife Commission at odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov. Pumps, Automatics, Over & Unders, Side by Sides, Single Shot & more. 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. Whitetail tines all grow off a single, primary beam. 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. Size: Large males stand up to 3 ft (1 m) at the shoulder. They live in Alaska in the U.S., British Columbia in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. Blacktails, on the other hand, have all black tails. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. Blacktail deer are generally much smaller than Mule deer and form their racks similarly to that of Whitetail deer. So no matter what you are going after, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself. When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. Hunters must still obtain a hunting and/or Public access to lands suitable to huntcan be a challenge. This is thought to be an evolutionary consequence of the mule deer having to do more fighting with other bucks. 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. Mule deer dont use their tails near as much as whitetails do. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. They usually have more tines branch off the one long main tine. Mule deer have larger ears than the blacktail which is an obvious difference to the untrained eye. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. 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 ). While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. . Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. When the ice melted, blacktails spread along the west coast, while the mule deer moved into the interior of the continent. The other subspecies would be the Sitka deer or Sitka Blacktail. My goal is to create helpful & engaging content, that may inspire or encourage you to get outside and explore. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Genetic samples from far outside of the "cross-over" zone were used to establish those value ranges. But there are telltale things to look for. These deer are found along the Pacific Coast of North America. The farther south you travel, whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and weight. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. Their size diversity isnt much diversity at all, with most adult males reaching 200 to 205lbs. The blacktail and the whitetail are different species. The tail of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, but is frequently much darker. As previously mentioned, there are many more differences between the species than listed here. Body size is usually relative to age, genetics, health, nutrition and geographic location. They can also weigh between 150 to 250 pounds on average, while the females weigh between 110 to 165 pounds on average. Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. On the other hand, it can mean that your soul and spirit needed cleansing. Black-tailed females can reach up to 130lbs while whitetail females generally reach 155lbs. Deer vs Reindeer: What Are 8 Key Differences? The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. Mule deer are broken into many subspecies, and technically they are a subspecies of Blacktail deer. Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of deer. Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. The biggest behavioral difference is their composure. Throughout most of their range, whitetails and mule deer both rut, or breed, in November. Spot and stalk are always the best option, with a large amount of time meticulously spent glassing the area. Their ranges occasionally intercept, where you would be able to find both species in the same area. Very well done, Dan. Blacktails prefer mild winters and humid environments. 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. There are some similarities between the two animals. Deer vs Reindeer: What Are 8 Key Differences? A mule deer has much more white on their face than a whitetail. They use it like a horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to ward off flies. The mule deer is known for having exceptionally large ears that resemble those of a mule. Hunters have been chasing whitetails and mule deer for thousands of years. Whitetails don't do that. 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. Salem, OR 97302 Sharper toes typically indicate a younger deer, but this varies . Mule deer are identifiable in the way they move, too. But only males grow antlers. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. Calls have been used with good success at luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can get a clean shot. Both mule deer hunting and whitetail hunting are extremely popular, especially in the U.S. To new hunters and people who dont know what to look for, telling a mule deer and a whitetail apart may be difficult. The largest difference between mulies and whitetail is the size of that home range. Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . Whether they are the same or not there are definitely some differences in their appearance and habitats. And it comes down to what side of the line they died upon. Check outourstories, videos and hard-hitting how-to'sondeer hunting. 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. Yet, the mule deer has a long, thin tail that is mostly white and ends in a black tip, while the black-tailed deer has a wider tail that is black when hanging down. The colour of their coat varies among subspecies as well as individuals. After all, that is where mule deer get their name. 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. Here Is the Latest Info. Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Fig. Though both are descendants of whitetail, black-tailed deer are considered a sub-species of mule deer. Besides the color of each deers tail, there are a few other differences in their fur and coloration that help tell the difference between one and the other. 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. 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. Cant find what you need? Mule deer will hop or bound when they are running. An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. They are a much better option than corn or hay. In contrast, whitetails coat looks more like reddish, brown color shades. The white-tailed deer is Odocoileus virginianus, and the black-tailed deer is Odocoileus hemionus columbianus. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. Its not reliable enough on its own. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. 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. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. Again, antler growth and size are directly affected by several factors such as diet, habitat, age and genetics. With muleys being available to hunt across 16 states, it is obvious they can be found across all types of terrain. Look at the head of the deer. Much like grunts, it seems bleats have many different meanings depending on the situation. White-tailed deer tend to live in a variety of places. Yet there is a clear difference between the antler scores of both deer. Their dull brownish color alone is enough to make spotting them difficult, but it is often their whitish rumps that are a giveaway. Their favorite meals are ferns, huckleberry, blackberries, apples, cranberry, elderberry, and more. ). Main Phone (503) 947-6000 The Antlers Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. 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. This is when its tail is the most prominent. We may earn a small commission on purchases made through our links. Of course, Bergmanns Rule makes plenty of sense when you think about colder climates versus warmer climates. Adult buck mule deers can range from 4 to 7 feet long and can stand up to 4 feet tall before their antlers. During the rut, their tarsal glands will be dark and may show a lot of staining. However, their territories do overlap in some locations. 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. 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, . Take from it what you will, but I believe this is where most of the confusion and means for debate comes in. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers.
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