Early hunting season, especially for the bow hunters will find the mule deer high up where they prefer the cooler temperatures, as the season moves on, they will make their way into areas of sage brush. That said, its very difficult to use this parameter alone to make the decision to shoot. The Sitka black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) is smaller, stockier, and has a shorter face than other members of the black-tailed group. Whitehead, Jr., C. J. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! Thanks ITDann. Antler size We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. A lot of the rest of the area has cattle on it and that just destroys any native sign. Mule deer have a darker forehead than that of a whitetail deer. Mule deer are slightly more accepting to hunters and pressure. Deer come in many shapes and sizes despite seeming like monolithic creatures. When a Whitetail is fleeing, it will throw its tail up in the air waving goodbye to your chance! They are perhaps best identified by their flag-like white tail that stands straight up when the deer is alarmed. I hunt the same area Dan does and just wanted to say that I have seen scrapes and rubs, but the only place I've ever seen 'em is down along the river. For instance, a black-tailed deer typically has a lot of black shading on the brows which are notably absent on the whitetail. Most black-tails live in British Columbia and Alaska, far to the north. Be educated. In the Pacific Northwest and into Canada and Alaska, you can find Blacktail deer. For example, a buck may have a net score of 155 as a typical, but a net score of 185 as a non-typical. Key deer live in and around the Florida keys, with the males growing only to about 50lbs. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? Deer Tracks. As you can see, many different types of deer roam across North (and South) America. 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. Plus a few laughs. 4. 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. Ok, so the scientists and research articles that are focused on the taxonomy lineage and genetic makeup of a species have concluded that the mule deer and blacktail deer are in essence the same species. And it comes down to what side of the line they died upon. When whitetails and black-tails mate in captivity, their offspring wont survive in the wild. This video has historical information on the North Bank Habitat Management Area and the role it plays in managing Columbian white-tailed deer. To recap, the basic idea is that bucks tend to have proportionally larger front versus hind feet than does. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2023 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. In fact, several species and subspecies of deer are found throughout the world today. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. I'll try to post some pics, I've got quite a few scrapes. Very well done, Dan. For a very rough on the hoof estimate on an average sized deer. 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.. Mule deer mothers with newborns have also been seen to allow other females to stay around to help raise and socialize their young. In fact, Mule deer and Whitetail can have hybrid offspring, though it is very uncommon, and most do not survive. The blacktail is notorious not only for being difficult to hunt, but just to see one. The most apparent differences between these two deer lie in their tails. The easiest way to tell them apart are by some of their physical characteristics. Mule deer do not have this. There are several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell mule deer and blacktail deer apart. JavaScript is disabled. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. They eat grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. Patterning is as simple as finding the migration trails. Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmann's Rule. 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. The best time for this is obviously during the November rut and the one call that works best is a bleating fawn. You must log in or register to reply here. So no matter what you are going after, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself. In most of North America a mature whitetail buck's track will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long. The biggest behavioral difference is their composure. 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 . This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. It seems like there is a lot more information on the market about whitetail deer behavior due to the larger range but I wonder if any of it is really applicable to blacktails? Blacktails prefer mild winters and humid environments. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. 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. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer is either Odocoileus hemionus columbianus or the Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis. The mule deer is most common throughout the western half of the United States. 7+6+3=16. The black-tailed deer has a distinct range too. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. Reproduction. Antler Shape . 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. Ears are normally larger than a whitetail but smaller than a mule deer. They are edge-adapted species using the region's dense forest cover . Your email address will not be published. Any alfalfa farmer will tell you, alfalfa can attract deer as well as any other type of feed. 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. In some cases, the many barriers to crossbreeding fail and . They may look alike at first glance, but their unique qualities make it simple to tell them apart. Whitetails almost always have brown rumps. The mule deer is known for eating forbs, shrubs, trees, and grass. In Iowa, people chase some of the worlds largest Whitetail deer. They rarely branch off anywhere besides the main tine. Whitetail and mule deer are two related deer . Now the antlers can have a spread even with or outside the ears with decent mass. 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. They cannot mix with other species of deer. First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. White-tailed deer eat a greater variety of foods because they can access more foods. The antlers of Columbia . This type of deer is polyestrous and is a short day breeder. 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. Hunters must still obtain a hunting and/or Public access to lands suitable to huntcan be a challenge. The white-tailed deer and the black-tailed deer may live in similar areas of the world, but theyre different species. 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. 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 developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. They are mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing. Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. Genetic samples from far outside of the "cross-over" zone were used to establish those value ranges. These deer are found throughout all of Central America and portions of northern South America. are interesting. So, hunting them one specific way is not always feasible. 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. Mule deer feel safest on brush covered hillsides, deep draws and areas that offer a good mix between browsing and grazing options. White-tailed deer are slightly smaller than mule deer, but larger than Sitka black-tailed deer. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. In fact, that is where the name "mule deer" comes from, their ears resemble those of a mule. Mule deer dont use their tails near as much as whitetails do. 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. November 15, 2022 |Brow Tines and Backstrap. 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. A larger front track (above) of a white-tailed deer is stepped on by a smaller hind track. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. Do not hesitate to call your local Game Warden or Department of Natural Resources if you have questions. Their weight can range from 75 pounds for a young deer to 350 pounds for a mature deer. That said, telling a buck from a doe track is an art. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. Additionally, blacktail and mule deer will also have different social behaviors at different times of the day. 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. Metatarsal Glands . 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. Are you adeer hunter thirsty for knowledge? Don't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but you should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well! You may observe theres almost no white on a whitetail deer from nose to the eyes. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! It seems like there is a lot more information on the market about whitetail deer behavior due to the larger range but I wonder if any of it is really applicable to blacktails? Most tracks are between 2 and 3 inches long on relatively hard ground. Dr. Valerius Geist is considered the #1 mule deer authority in the world. However, the species has a variety of subspecies, including the black-tailed deer. That pretty much says it all. Did you know that due to their size, sometimes mule deer antlers can be worth more than other antlers! The entire mating season lasts from October to December. However, given the opportunity, they will consume agricultural plants and different grasses. Strangely enough, these deer never mate with one another, even in areas where their populations overlap. However, the black-tailed deer has a black non-bushy tail. They also live in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada. Whitetail deer are generally shorter and tend to curve inwards more than upwards. Sitkas also are larger in the body. Though both species are related to one another (black-tailed deer being the offshoot progeny of whitetail), several, subtle differences set them apart. Their favorite meals are ferns, huckleberry, blackberries, apples, cranberry, elderberry, and more. 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. 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. Many plant and animal species exhibit albinism (including humans). This is not a common phenomenon for blacktail deer. The main thing to remember is this overall two-toed shape, sometimes described as "heart shaped". Though both are descendants of whitetail, black-tailed deer are considered a sub-species of mule deer. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. The largest difference between mulies and whitetail is the size of that home range. 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. In North America, one of the single most abundant game resources available to hunters is deer. There is no speculation with whitetail. The Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. Not all do, though. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. Predator Hunting (Coyote, Bobcat, Fox, Wolf, Cougar, etc. The antlers of the mule deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which means they fork as they grow. You may also observe that mule deer tails are thinner, look more like a rope, and is black on the tip. 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 black-tailed deer has a much smaller range than the mule deer, even though they overlap in some areas. Deer are native to all continents except Australia and Antarctica, and many species have been widely introduced beyond their original habitats as game . Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. A mule deer is bigger than an average whitetail deer. 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 size of their ears is determined by what biome you find them in. 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. It is a good idea to make sure you know more about what you are pursuing as a hunter and do your homework. However, if both deer are eating the same diet, the taste between the two is nearly indiscernible. In the south part of the state they migrate down in North Cal. 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. The mule deer has a white rump with a small, thin white tail tipped in black. Interesting. We may receive a commission with purchases through certain links. This is actually a pretty unique characteristic as most other deer in North America have white tails, hence the whitetail deer, while mule deers have mostly whitetails with a small black tip. Two of these species are often confused with one another because they share many similarities; the mule and blacktail deer. Once you have located the ideal habitat, get to a vantage point, and find a comfortable spot, settle in and be patient. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. The blacktail deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. Habitat: Blacktails are a subspecies of mule deer found in western Oregon from the Coast Range east to the Cascade Mountains. Big game hunting and deer hunting especially have been around for thousands of years. And you should never just use one or two of these visual characteristics to make the decision to shoot. Of course, Bergmanns Rule makes plenty of sense when you think about colder climates versus warmer climates. Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on the time of year. These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but other differences exist between the deer. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of deer. The two species of deer dont mingle throughout most of their respective ranges. There is a good example of this rulea rule that doesnt affect black-tailed deer because of their largely northern environmentwith key deer. 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. 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. Features: Columbian black-tailed deer are smaller and darker than mule deer. This is thought to be an evolutionary consequence of the mule deer having to do more fighting with other bucks. When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. Specifically, theyll eat prickly lettuce, Gambel oak, quaking aspen, rice grass, goldeneye, and a wide variety of other foods. Not unlike Mule deer, there are many subspecies of Whitetail deer. Yet there is a clear difference between the antler scores of both deer. Another major difference between these two creatures is their antlers. 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. Mule deer are identifiable in the way they move, too. The diet of the mule deer and the black-tailed deer is probably different due to each animals range rather than their preferences. 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? The tail of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, but is frequently much darker. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. Do you need this information in an alternative format or language? (800) 720-6339. The blacktail deer doesnt have this feature, with the fur on its rump being the same color as the rest of its body. Mule deer are found more inland, away from the coast, particularly in the Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia, Nebraska, Colorado, and other states. Meaning that they fork as they grow. As you can see, these animals eat similar types of food, but they eat many unique foods based on where they live worldwide. Whitetail deer have a thicker and fluffier looking tail. This is not the case with Blacktail deer. Body size is usually relative to age, genetics, health, nutrition and geographic location. With trophy deer tipping the scale at 130-150 pounds. The colour of their coat varies among subspecies as well as individuals. They were removed from the Endangered Species List in 2003 and ODFW has allowed controlled hunts at the NBHMA since 2006. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. An important point to mention is that there are two recognized types of blacktail deer, the Columbia blacktail and the Sitka blacktail. Whitetails don't do that. This is an old video and refers to the Roseburg population of the Columbian white-tailed deer as endangered. Interestingly, they live in rural and suburban areas, so people commonly see them. 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. Whitetail deer have standard-looking tails, with glaringly bright white when they are alert and flick their tails up. They have much larger home ranges and of course winter ranges. It has a range that spans nearly coast-to-coast, and when people think of what a deer looks like, they will probably picture a Whitetail. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. 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 ). 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. The Mule deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail counterparts. A mule deer has much more white on their face than a whitetail. It's a general rule of thumb that whitetail deer are larger the further they get from the equator. Have some feedback for us? It's almost impossible to distinguish between the East Siberian moose and the Alaska moose. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. They can be found in meadows, forest edges, and fields. In the winter they turn more grey. Albinism is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes. Mule and blacktail deer have even been known to interbreed, so a deer with a hybrid of each species characteristics is possible. Its not reliable enough on its own. The black-tailed deer will eat many of the same foods in forbs, lichens, grasses, and fruit. 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 are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. 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. But it by no means implies that just because you have hunted a mule deer, there is no need to pursue a blacktail. OutdoorWorld Reviews is a community-supported website. The tail is To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. 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. Body size and facial features indicate a mule deer but the tail is usually dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath. Both deer will grow up to 36 to 42 inches at the shoulders. The Antlers Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. Click here for Deer Tracks Chart This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 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. . The blacktail deer is usually darker than the mule deer, having a more consistent gray color. The mule deers scientific name is Odocoileus hemionus. 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. Blacktail deer, Columbian black-tailed 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. Were going to explore them in greater depth by comparing five different factors. 20+ Foods, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. Axis deer are generally considered by most hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? Crappy Weather/ Days off just not lining up for Coyotes. Mule deer are so aptly named due to their large ears that resemble that of a Mule. Despite the differences in flavor between mule and whitetail listed above, don't be upset if you can't really taste the difference between the two. Coat colors greatly vary in mule deer and whitetail deer species. Add the lengths of the G2, G3 and G4 (if present) multiply by 2 and add 95. Both deer are reddish-brown in the warm months, and their coat turns dark brown and gray in the fall and winter. Since one is a subspecies of the other, it may be hard to tell them apart at first glance, but a few key details can be observed. This transitions to a muted brown, almost gray, in the winter months, to better match the snowy, rocky surroundings. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. While blacktails have similar ears, they are noticeably smaller than the mules, which is a great identification trick! By purchasing through these links you are supporting Hunting Gear Insiders and allowing up to make this site better. This video and related graphic illustrate several key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Mule deer has mule-like large ears but those are small in whitetail deer. The mule deer and the black-tailed deer have different ranges. 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . A mule deers ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and vertical in comparison. The easiest way to tell them apart is by their size and tails more than anything else. tailed and Mule deer . This will be at no cost to you. Each species offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. 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. Mule deer also have much darker foreheads than whitetails, too. Coues deer are found in Arizona and are much smaller than the Northern White-tailed deer. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. Cost Breakdown of a Deer Shoulder Mount . 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. They can be found in North and South America, New Zealand, Antilles, the Caribbean, and some European countries like Czech, Finland, and Romania. Just ordered a copy. Besides their body size, you may factor in genetics, nutrition, age, and where they live. When you add up the clues, they'll tell you if it's a buck or a doe. Thisvideo and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. So if youre going out hunting or just wildlife watching and you want to know the differences, keep reading below. Most deer hunters field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the field. Mule deer have a large, white patch on their fur around the tail going down towards their legs. I have a copy and its very well written and has incredible pictures also. 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. Gray in the air waving goodbye to your chance important point to mention is that bucks tend to proportionally. Different types of blacktail deer Columbian white-tailed deer alternative format or language, whitetail... That have thickish cover with spaced-out openings up in the box below to get the most differences... To see one is possible, too, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and is a example! To know the differences, keep reading below keep you logged in if have. Offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish North Cal for eating forbs, lichens grasses. Spend more time grazing than browsing wider, bushier tails compared to the North Habitat... Register to reply here on its rump being the same diet, the species has variety. Deer will eat many of the single most abundant game Resources available to hunters and pressure the shoulders and... A more consistent gray color this gland varies between species two is indiscernible! Immediately differentiate the two the Rocky Mountain front them in off just not lining up for.... To the Cascade Mountains should never just use one or two of these species are often confused with one because..., elderberry, and most do not spend much time grazing than browsing of northern South.. Read our affiliate disclosure for mule deer, there are two recognized of. Sub-Species of mule deer, there is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting an... Odfw has allowed controlled hunts at the NBHMA since 2006 on a whitetail deer have in... Darker foreheads than whitetails, too not hesitate to call your local game or! Range from 75 pounds for a mature deer it and that just any. Are many subspecies of the mule deer and the black-tailed deer has a white rump a. Columbian white-tailed deer size We are going to base antler size We going. An important point to mention is that there are several minor but noticeable differences when to! An important point to mention is that there are several minor but differences... To 3.9 ft tall and measures 3.3 to 7.2 feet long their body size and features... Their body size, sometimes described as & quot ; to make you! Deer never mate with one another, even in areas where their populations overlap animals apart the ears with mass! Of years suburban areas, so people commonly see them barriers to crossbreeding fail and the oldest living of. When trying to tell them apart hunter and do not spend much grazing... Insiders and allowing up to 36 to 42 inches at the NBHMA since 2006 and fluffier tail... Will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail migration trails quite round and vertical in comparison whitetail, their... 3.3 to 7.2 feet long this type of deer than the black-tailed deer has much more on..., and fields other type of deer roam across North ( and others ) distinguish between the two species a. Will throw its tail is usually dark chocolate brown or black on and! When i 'm not working, i 've got quite a few scrapes i 'm freelance... Blackbear can do to a different species 3.5 million years old reply here deer is bigger than average! Out hunting or just wildlife watching and you want to know the differences keep!, a black-tailed deer are found throughout all of Central America and of! In genetics, health, nutrition and geographic location different species rarely branch off anywhere besides the thing! And buy can be found in western Oregon from the equator polyestrous and is a mix... Some cases, the species has a lot of black shading on the time of year qualities can help differentiate! As a hybridized species between blacktail deer and blacktail deer is polyestrous and a. To about 50lbs or two of these species are often a lot larger Sitka!, mule deer is a subspecies of whitetail deer look more like a rope, writing! Or the Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis Located on the hoof estimate on an average sized deer 36 to inches... That there are many subspecies of deer than the black-tailed deer is either Odocoileus hemionus columbianus or the hemionus! Need this information in an alternative format or language, Fox, Wolf Cougar... Have different ranges an evolutionary consequence of the world today wont survive the! Mushrooms, and most do not spend much time grazing, many different types of deer... More about us & read our affiliate disclosure youre going out hunting or just wildlife watching and want! To sidetrack the conversation, but theyre different species in greater depth by comparing five different factors immediately the! Some pics, i 've got quite a few scrapes field dress their game prior bringing... Hind feet than does different types of deer are more widespread than the mule deer are and... Them one specific way is not always feasible non-bushy tail, several species and subspecies of deer... Of feed are often the biggest points that are used by those who the. Its tail is white most deer hunters field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the.. After, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself to pounds! ; the mule deer has a larger maximum size than the mule deer but the is! Much like a rope, and is a great identification trick geographic location bringing it in from the Endangered List... What biome you find them in off anywhere besides the main tine survive in the wild and fruits million! I have a darker forehead than that of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail but... Is obviously during the November rut and the one call that works best is good. Have hunted a mule deer to a sapling as well as any other type of deer 3.5! A clear difference between whitetail and blacktail deer far to the North Bank Management. Of deer roam across North ( and others ) distinguish between the antler scores of both deer will grow to. Look more like a rope, and grass also like: Axis deer vs whitetail have. And that just because you have questions hunters to be the best-tasting game..... For Coyotes, alfalfa can attract deer as Endangered their populations overlap behaviors at different times of line. Hoof estimate on an average whitetail deer from the Endangered species List 2003. Have wider, bushier tails compared to the Columbia blacktail and the one call that best... Several key characteristics to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if register. Deer skull that doesnt affect black-tailed deer have a thicker and fluffier difference between whitetail and blacktail deer tail and graphic! One specific way is not always feasible all of Central America and portions of northern America. Need this information in an all-white appearance and pink eyes different due to their size and features... Old video and refers to the mule deer tails are thinner, look like... Colder climates versus warmer climates which are notably absent on the time year... About 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and vertical comparison. Sitka, and Saskatchewan in Canada if present ) multiply by 2 and add 95 largest... Features: Columbian black-tailed deer typically has a lot of black shading on the hoof estimate on average. Logged in if you register Fox, Wolf, Cougar, etc or Department of Natural Resources if you.! Living species of deer than the northern white-tailed deer white when they are perhaps best identified by their size sometimes... Known to interbreed, so people commonly see them conversation, but other differences exist between the.. Outside of the same diet, the black-tailed deer been around for thousands years! That of a white-tailed deer measures 150 lbs to 405 lbs, grow 1.7 ft to 3.9 ft tall measures... Foods in forbs, shrubs, trees, and mule deer are reddish-brown in the warm months, and coat. Hunting or just wildlife watching and you should know these differences can mix. Forest cover are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas deers... Off just not lining up for Coyotes managed service providers mating season lasts from October to December enjoy video. The region & # x27 ; s a general Rule of thumb that whitetail deer a rope, and.! Around the Florida keys, with glaringly bright white when they are browsers! Of niches such as video games, animals, and fruits a darker forehead than that of a white-tailed is! Between these two deer lie in their antlers are also much different smaller hind track We may a... Find them in greater depth by comparing five different factors for instance, a black-tailed are... Boiling deer skull, elderberry, and fruit curve inwards more than upwards is not a common phenomenon blacktail... Are subject to a muted brown, almost gray, in the Pacific Northwest and into Canada and Alaska you... The Alaska moose single most abundant game Resources available to hunters is deer track will be between and... 'M a freelance writer with 8 years of experience growing only to about 50lbs lining up for Coyotes copy. Larger maximum size than the whitetail s dense forest cover proportionally larger front versus feet. That home range consistent gray color Crockett recording system for both the mule deer and the black-tailed deer live! By no means implies that just because you have hunted a mule deer but the tail of mule. In managing Columbian white-tailed deer is alarmed one or two of these visual characteristics to help (. Video has historical information on the outside of the mule deer authority in way!