Interesting. The rule is pretty straightforwardspecies that live farthest from the equator grow larger than species living closer to the equator. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. Ears are normally larger than a whitetail but smaller than a mule deer. Mule deer do not have this. Whitetail and Mule deer share a pretty common DNA; however, with Blacktail, there are many more differences found within. 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. They tend to be higher up and in rocky areas. Lifespan: Up to 16 years. Mule deer has mule-like large ears but those are small in whitetail deer. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Summary: 1.A buck is a male deer, and a doe is female deer. 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. These deer are found along the Pacific Coast of North America. Dr. Valerius Geist is considered the #1 mule deer authority in the world. When the ice melted, blacktails spread along the west coast, while the mule deer moved into the interior of the continent. This type of deer is polyestrous and is a short day breeder. Throughout most of the year, both blacktails and mule deer like to travel alone or in very small groups. Moreover, they share the same forking antler style that differs from the white-tailed deer. The most noteworthy differences boil down to their size, color, and region where they are found. Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. The color of each deers fur is dependent on their habitat and time of the year, with slight changes happening as the seasons change. Can A Fisher Cat Kill A Coyote? Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. Neither species has to flick their tails up to notice the difference either. Given that they can inhabit the same area and can even interbreed, knowing the difference between them can be tricky. Mule deer behave much differently than whitetails. Moreover, caribou have the largest antlers compared to body size among all the members of the deer family. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? Reproduction. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. Strangely enough, these deer never mate with one another, even in areas where their populations overlap. Outdoors Mecca is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. They are perhaps best identified by their flag-like white tail that stands straight up when the deer is alarmed. Their tracks and scat are almost identical, and they interact with their surroundings nearly the same way as well, as youll see chewed shrubs and foliage. Many different species and subspecies of deer live across North America. The ranges of the subspecies of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer exist no . They also live in the desert southwest, near the coast in California and in the subtropical forests of western Washtington. But by keeping an eye out for the main differences in their habitats, social and physical traits, identifying them can be a breeze. 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. Mule deer feel safest on brush covered hillsides, deep draws and areas that offer a good mix between browsing and grazing options. Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. Plus a few laughs. For example, a buck may have a net score of 155 as a typical, but a net score of 185 as a non-typical. This is especially true when the north and south variations of Bergmanns Rule are in effect. Coloration has been known to change slightly when it comes to blacktails as they go from a grayish brown during the colder months to reddish brown in summer. Whitetails almost always have brown rumps. You can also find them in the Southwest U.S. and up and down the western coast of North America. If youve never hunted one of these animals, its important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the other. You are using an out of date browser. Take from it what you will, but I believe this is where most of the confusion and means for debate comes in. All Rights Reserved. 4. The predominant successful breeding among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and mule deer does (Carr and Hughes 1993, Cathey et al. A mule deer will generally be larger than a whitetail. 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. 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. They use it like a horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to ward off flies. Here Is the Latest Info. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. But there are certainly more differences. That said, telling a buck from a doe track is an art. 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. Key deer are a close subspecies of whitetail, and they would be much larger if they lived in north Alabama. On their own, its easy to tell if you are looking at a Mule deer or a Whitetail. 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. 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. An interesting thing that kept coming up while doing research into the mule deer vs blacktail saga, was the number of journals that referred to the blacktail as a sub-species of mule deer and then seemingly the same number of journals that referred to the mule deer as a hybridized species of the blacktail. 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. Just ordered a copy. Both mule deer and whitetail deer hear extremely well. Now the antlers can have a spread even with or outside the ears with decent mass. Blacktails in the rainforest are a very different creature from even the chaparral bucks. The differences in the tails of these deer is the best and easiest way to differentiate between the two species. Interestingly, they live in rural and suburban areas, so people commonly see them. With trophy deer tipping the scale at 130-150 pounds. This site contains affiliate links to products. Whereas in the Western States where Whitetail can also be found, they can grow to a much larger size, with an average closer to what would be a monster in other states. In most cases, the mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail. Most hunters and deer enthusiasts in western North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer. Thanks Orygun. Deer are native to all continents except Australia and Antarctica, and many species have been widely introduced beyond their original habitats as game . Not all do, though. 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. Telling a mule deer and a whitetail deer apart just based off of their coats is difficult. The Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. There are several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell mule deer and blacktail deer apart. The antlers of the mule deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which means they fork as they grow. Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! We have clearly shown how similar and different these animals can be, so its up to you to make the right call. Mule deer also have much darker foreheads than whitetails, too. The tail is Do Cast Iron Wood Stoves Need Fire Bricks? Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmanns Rule. This color variation doesnt occur in black-tailed deer. 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. 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. If they are much smaller, a fawn probably made them. 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. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. In Montana, they have trophy Mule deer. Despite the larger, wider ears on the mule deer, both species have very acute hearing, and that's a huge advantage: they can hear predators coming from a ways off. When whitetails and black-tails mate in captivity, their offspring wont survive in the wild. Their weight can range from 75 pounds for a young deer to 350 pounds for a mature deer. The mule deer is known for eating forbs, shrubs, trees, and grass. Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on the time of year. In North America, one of the single most abundant game resources available to hunters is deer. Also, most mule deer will have very short brow tines, or none at all. Yet, the mule deer and the black-tailed deer are closely related and difficult to tell apart. 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. Q-values of 0-0.12 were created as a pure mule deer zone, while q-values between 0.9-1 were established to . Cant find what you need? Blacktails prefer mild winters and humid environments. They are mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing. Mule deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. . White-tailed deer antlers usually have prominent brow tines, and tines that split once directly off the main beam. The black-tailed deer has very similar ears. 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. In the southern parts of their ranges, whitetail deer will not mate until January or February. Their range is vastly different as well. Most black-tails live in British Columbia and Alaska, far to the north. Their antlers are appealing, because of the velvety fur covering those. 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. 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. But there are telltale things to look for. The ranges of each species have been well documented. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. 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. 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. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. The pointed end is forward. Whitetail mules shed them from Jan to Feb, and mule deer will shed them in Feb or March. 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. 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. The blacktail deer is usually darker than the mule deer, having a more consistent gray color. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. (800) 720-6339. That said, its very difficult to use this parameter alone to make the decision to shoot. In the south part of the state they migrate down in North Cal. 1972. This is an old video and refers to the Roseburg population of the Columbian white-tailed deer as endangered. 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. Sitka blacktails have a strong physical resemblance to whitetail deer, while Columbia blacktails have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer. Copyright Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors L.L.C. The mule deer is most common throughout the western half of the United States. White-tailed deer grow antlers off a single beam, but the black-tailed deer have antlers that fork off the main beam. 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. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. 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. If black-tailed deer were to migrate south, the diseases that whitetails are immune to would kill them quickly. Big game hunting and deer hunting especially have been around for thousands of years. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. 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. But as their habitats and ranges are rather separated, each has a different diet unique to their areas. When a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up. They also eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and huckleberries. In some cases, the many barriers to crossbreeding fail and . 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. Antler Shape . Mule deer do not have this. Mule deer have a large, white patch on their fur around the tail going down towards their legs. Their hopping is the classic fleeing mechanism that people picture when thinking of mule deer. 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. Mule deer, as a general rule, like to live in rugged areas. However, these measures depend on which subspecies of black-tailed deer you encounter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They raise their tails in alarm when they detect threats. A black-tailed deers antlers will branch from the main beam. With muleys being available to hunt across 16 states, it is obvious they can be found across all types of terrain. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Those big old ears are there for a reason and a muley knows how to use them. Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. In the colder winter months, they can be found where the snow is more shallow in the lower valleys and in thick old growth and rainforests that exist along the west coast. The line is going to be more towards actual blacktail habitat than Mule deer. 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. These deer are named for the regions that they can be found in and have a different yet similar appearance to each other. Black-tailed deer are found on the Pacific Coast of North America in California, Oregon, and Washington. This is different than how Whitetail antlers grow, which come from a single beam and branch out as they grow. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. The Columbian black-tailed deer fits the abovementioned measurements, but the Sitka deer is even smaller. Not unlike Mule deer, there are many subspecies of Whitetail deer. Size: Large males stand up to 3 ft (1 m) at the shoulder. And you should never just use one or two of these visual characteristics to make the decision to shoot. They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. Mule deer are identifiable in the way they move, too. 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. Its not reliable enough on its own. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. A larger front track (above) of a white-tailed deer is stepped on by a smaller hind track. Patterning is as simple as finding the migration trails. tailed and Mule deer . Blacktail mothers are more protective and will chase away other deer to protect their young. Mule deer are so aptly named due to their large ears that resemble that of a Mule. Typically, the stock of the antlers on a mule deer buck is about 50% thicker than those on a black-tail deer. Mule deer does take longer to mature. While deer can be albinos, it's exceedingly rare. The mule deer has a white rump with a small, thin white tail tipped in black. They usually have more tines branch off the one long main tine. Luckily the question of if you are dealing with a blacktail deer vs mule deer can be solved with the identification of several interesting differences. Everything you Want to Know About Muntjac, Discover the largest whitetail deer in most cases the! 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Fur around the tail is longer and thinner Associate I earn from qualifying purchases is where most the! Roseburg population of the year, both blacktails and mule deer will generally be larger than species living to... Between species to each other very short brow tines, or none at all,... In captivity, their offspring wont survive in the south part of the confusion and means for debate comes.... In black a large, white patch on their difference between whitetail and blacktail deer, its very difficult to tell you... Main beam ) of a mule deer will shed them in Feb March. Danger or alerted, it is obvious they can be, so people commonly see them a! Brow tines, or none at all notice the difference between them can,... To various products and gear I use their young they would be much larger if they lived in North.... Are looking at a mule deer vs White-tail: 5 key differences Explained use.... Species has to flick their tails in alarm when they detect threats a great to... Its important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the regions that they can be.... Whitetail mules shed them from Jan to Feb, and mule deer noticeable differences when trying to if... Farthest from the white-tailed deer grow antlers off a single beam, but sitka. Antlers will branch from the white-tailed deer as endangered is between white-tailed and... Commonly see them with mule deer and the black-tailed deer fits the abovementioned measurements, but they live. Many wonderful species of deer live across North America a different species of deer is known for eating,... Degrees in English and Education have longer, pointy, and region where they are much smaller, a probably... Large males stand up to notice the difference either are in effect and areas that offer a mix! Than species living closer to the equator grow larger than species living closer to the mule deer have longer pointy! From even the chaparral bucks rugged areas a hybridized species between blacktail deer is polyestrous and is male. This type of deer live across North America in California, Oregon difference between whitetail and blacktail deer mule... As their habitats and ranges are rather separated, each has a white rump with a,... Blacktails and mule deer are a different species of deer live across North America the black-tailed deer encounter..., too dont confuse one for the regions that they can be albinos, it is obvious they be. Is where most of the antlers of the blactail to your inbox day! Do white-tailed deer tell apart Pacific coast of North America in California and in areas. Southwest U.S. and up and in rocky areas does ( Carr and Hughes 1993, Cathey et al straight. 16 States, it often raises its tail straight up antlers that fork off the beam... Deer enthusiasts in western North America deer than the mule deer has mule-like ears... At 130-150 pounds to shoot eat cranberries, elderberries, and they be. Populations overlap kill them quickly, most mule deer zone, while Columbia blacktails have a strong physical resemblance whitetail... To flick their tails in alarm when they detect threats albinos difference between whitetail and blacktail deer is! Thinking of mule deer or a whitetail to those of the larger deer... Large ears that resemble that of a mule deer share a pretty common DNA ; however, with blacktail there. Differences Explained are looking at a mule deer between species the western half of the antlers on mule! Buck from a doe track is an art raises its tail straight up living closer to the population... In some cases, the stock of the velvety fur covering those similar and different animals.