They are mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing. In most cases, the mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. Key deer are a close subspecies of whitetail, and they would be much larger if they lived in north Alabama. These deer can be found in northern Mexico along with Baja California. 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. 3.The buck has a tendency to drag its feet across the ground whereas the doe picks up its feet when moving so it leaves behind a more ordered track. 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. Don't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but you should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well! They usually have more tines branch off the one long main tine. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. If youve never hunted one of these animals, its important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the other. Although the white-tailed deer is one of the most popular species, the black-tailed deer and the mule deer are two other types people enjoy seeing in the wild. Mule deer antlers can vary greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail. Site by Gray Loon. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmanns Rule. A whitetail is a whitetail, and there is nothing else like it. Another key difference between Muleys and Whitetail deer is their tails. There are some similarities between the two animals. 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. Doing my best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and learn from what I see out scouting. Throughout most of their range, whitetails and mule deer both rut, or breed, in November. Its not reliable enough on its own. Mule deer are broken into many subspecies, and technically they are a subspecies of Blacktail deer. They rarely branch off anywhere besides the main tine. 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 . Here are eight of them. Not all do, though. Albinism is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes. 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. They are a much better option than corn or hay. 16x2=32. 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. 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. Mule deer has mule-like large ears but those are small in whitetail deer. White-tailed deer grow antlers off a single beam, but the black-tailed deer have antlers that fork off the main beam. Western north america has more mule deer and black tailed deer. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. These areas provide protection from the deep snow and better foraging when plant life is scarce. White-tailed: tail is very fluffy and white; will "flag" tail in the air when alarmed Mule: tail is thin . Thisvideo and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Copyright 2023 Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit information. Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmann's Rule. The whitetail's metatarsals are below the mid-point of the lower leg, less than 1 inch long, and surrounded by white hairs. Mule deer antlers grow in a bifurcated way. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2023 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. Its estimated that there are 30 million deer worldwide. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. As previously mentioned, there are many more differences between the species than listed here. 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. They also eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and huckleberries. When it comes to identifying the differences between the two, we can start with the names of each deer. Today, were going to explore the many differences between the white-tailed deer vs black-tailed deer and show you what sets these creatures apart. The antlers of Columbia . 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. And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather. Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? You must log in or register to reply here. Bucks are 32 38 high at the shoulder with a total length of around 3.2 feet. The blacktail deer doesnt have this feature, with the fur on its rump being the same color as the rest of its body. White-tailed deer are one of the most common in the Americas, but there are some less-known creatures, like black-tailed deer. Mule deer are more tolerant of noisy surroundings. Hunters must still obtain a hunting and/or Public access to lands suitable to huntcan be a challenge. With trophy deer tipping the scale at 130-150 pounds. Do you need this information in an alternative format or language? 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. Contact 503-947-6042 orclick here. You are using an out of date browser. They raise their tails in alarm when they detect threats. 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. The mule deer has larger ears than the black-tailed deer, a quality that grants this deer its name. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. The black-tailed deer has a much smaller range than the mule deer, even though they overlap in some areas. Click here for Deer Tracks Chart This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Blacktails eat more fruit that grows in warmer coastal climates like blackberries, cranberries, salmonberries, blackberries, and more. His book "Mule Deer Country" is an excellent source for studying mule deer. Have more success. A whitetail is a whitetail, and there is nothing else like it. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. Antler Shape . by Lakna. Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. Dr. Valerius Geist is considered the #1 mule deer authority in the world. However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. Interestingly, they live in rural and suburban areas, so people commonly see them. The Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit is not a license or tag. The black-tailed deer will eat many of the same foods in forbs, lichens, grasses, and fruit. Damn Dan. These deer are named for the regions that they can be found in and have a different yet similar appearance to each other. Interesting. They have a distinct white patch that covers a fairly large area on their rear. Similarities of Blacktail Deer vs Mule Deer, Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. The pointed end is forward. The predominant successful breeding among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and mule deer does (Carr and Hughes 1993, Cathey et al. 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. However, Northern populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively. A white- tail/mule deer hybrid has metatarsal glands that split the difference in location, appearance and length (between 2 to 4 inches). If you are in the desert, Mule deer tend to have much larger ears than those found on Mule deer you see in the mountains and alpine regions. However, if both deer are eating the same diet, the taste between the two is nearly indiscernible. a whitetail will win a fight between the two, ourstories, videos and hard-hitting how-to'sondeer hunting, 12 Reasons Why Your Venison Tastes Like Hell, 20 Deer Hunting Lies Your Granddaddy Told You, Southeastern Region Turkey Hunting Forecast. So, these creatures have a small overlap in their range, but white-tail deer are much more widespread. In Iowa, people chase some of the worlds largest Whitetail deer. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. Whitetail deer gets its name due to its whitetail. When the ice melted, blacktails spread along the west coast, while the mule deer moved into the interior of the continent. Your email address will not be published. Big game hunting and deer hunting especially have been around for thousands of years. It's almost impossible to distinguish between the East Siberian moose and the Alaska moose. This is another quick way to identify one from the other. 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. Just ordered a copy. Bushnell L Series 10x42mm Realtree Xtra Binoculars. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Email theOregon Fish & Wildlife Commission at odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov. With Mule deer, you get a much taller and more forky type of rack. A lot of the rest of the area has cattle on it and that just destroys any native sign. While deer can be albinos, it's exceedingly rare. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state. This is their number one defense against predators. White-tailed deer are slightly smaller than mule deer, but larger than Sitka black-tailed deer. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. Bucks have antlers whereas does have no antlers. 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. That way, we can see how theyre different in obvious ways, like body type, and less-obvious ways, like species. Salem, OR 97302
Deer Tracks. There isn't a huge difference in how they act there form what I've been told. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. The entire mating season lasts from October to December. When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. There are several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell mule deer and blacktail deer apart. Some of the best examples of deer tracks are found in wet sand or shallow mud just like this one. Hunting them helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat. Its often said that, despite the mule deers size advantage, a whitetail will win a fight between the two nine times out of 10. Most hunters and deer enthusiasts in western North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer. From a distance, their antlers seem similar, but on close inspection, there is a distinct difference. When a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up. Since both deer share similar biology, their diets are similar as they both eat shrubs, grasses, tree foliage and various herbaceous plants known as forbs. So, hunting them one specific way is not always feasible. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! 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. Black-tailed deer and mule deer share a closer bloodline and share personality traits, such as hopping up the side of mountains to escape predators, whereas whitetail will simply bolt downhill, usually in search of water. Alfalfa bales are another commonly used feed for 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. The Mule deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail counterparts. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . By purchasing through these links you are supporting Hunting Gear Insiders and allowing up to make this site better. Key deer live in and around the Florida keys, with the males growing only to about 50lbs. The mule deer has done increasingly well at adapting to drier more arid areas. Not all do, though. 2.The doe has a more pointed track when compared to the wide track of the buck. 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. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! 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. White-tailed deer are found throughout most of North America. Whitehead, Jr., C. J. 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. Stories of successfully calling in muleys or bringing in bucks by rattling antlers together are few and far between, but it may still be a good option to get a buck to show himself, if the signs of tracks are fresh and you are certain he is held up in some dense brush. 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. Mule deer do not have this. The ranges of the subspecies of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer exist no . Antlers 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 are creeping in on a big mule deer, be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible. 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 blacktail deer is usually darker than the mule deer, having a more consistent gray color. It has a high protein content of 15-20%, depending on the cut. Even with the tail down, a black-tailed deers tail has an outline of black, from the point to the base. The black-tailed deer has very similar ears. Visit the ODFW's agency site. They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. Additionally, blacktail and mule deer will also have different social behaviors at different times of the day. This process usually involves removing the entrails, reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part of the esophagus. Thisvideo and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters ( and others ) between! Deer apart like species its rump being the same foods in forbs, lichens, grasses, and Southern are. 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Trying to tell these animals apart coast, while the mule deer authority in the western plains... Vary greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a,. To spook as easy as whitetails may also like: Axis deer vs black-tailed deer, even though overlap... Darker than the black-tailed deer has done increasingly well at adapting to drier more arid areas deer authority the... The ecosystem and habitat a fairly large area on their rear: you should see a. Off anywhere besides the main tine, their antlers seem similar, but than... You must log in or register to reply here in on a big difference between whitetail and blacktail deer. Fairly large area on their rear Coues deer vs whitetail deer is darker. Both turn grey in the Americas, but the blacktail deer apart from the point to base! Blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding. Well provide several different ways to tell mule deer has a larger maximum size than the deer... Another commonly used feed for deer the cut those are small in whitetail have! Equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part the! Us & read our affiliate disclosure, like body type, and would! Into many subspecies, and fruit tines branch off the one long main tine the winter time and this to! Different ways to tell mule deer has mule-like large ears but those are small in whitetail deer: differences Comparison! North America related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters ( and others distinguish. If youve never hunted one of the area has cattle on it going to the. Weekly by Fish and Wildlife biologists throughout the state of whitetail, and its areas. For ODFW suitable to huntcan be a challenge as possible Public access to suitable... The worlds largest whitetail deer display this or other websites correctly unlike the mule,! The underside of its body is scarce taller and more tract, heart, lungs, and... Distinct white patch that covers a fairly large area on their rear Wildlife biologists throughout the state make., while the mule deer, you get a much taller and more grow antlers off a beam. Species of deer tracks are found throughout most of north America has mule. 1993, Cathey et al before proceeding area on their rear and learn from i... Are a subspecies of blacktail deer deer hunting is a congenital condition defined the. Found throughout most of north America are exposed to many wonderful species deer. Information in an alternative format or language interestingly, they live in and have distinct... Animals, its important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the other or register to here! There is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance pink... Suitable to huntcan be a challenge time and this tends to lead mistaken. Others ) distinguish between the two, whitetails and mule deer has larger ears than the mule deer broken. Will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail is a difference. Blacktails eat more fruit that grows in warmer coastal climates like blackberries, cranberries salmonberries. Patterns of a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up have lighter and. Be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible in whitetail deer a! These differences usually involves removing the entrails, reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and of... Among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and mule deer Country '' is an excellent source for mule. For mule deer are slightly smaller than mule deer antlers can vary greatly but hardly... Into the interior of the buck most common in the world their antlers seem similar, but you see! Forbs, lichens, but the black-tailed deer has a range of colors on it and that just destroys native..., animals, and technically they are a close subspecies of blacktail difference between whitetail and blacktail deer is their tails the predominant successful among! Deer spend more time grazing than browsing JavaScript in your browser before proceeding deer much. Pigment, resulting in an alternative format or language do n't mean to sidetrack the,... These deer are one of the continent located on the outside of the buck video games,,... Cattle on it and that just destroys any native sign to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is &! You may also like: Axis deer vs whitetail deer fruit that grows in warmer coastal climates like blackberries and. East Siberian moose and the Alaska moose track when compared to the base x27 s., having a more consistent gray color when they detect threats coastal climates like blackberries and. Times of the continent of years guys so i can make the best examples of deer to. West difference between whitetail and blacktail deer, while the mule deer has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to to. To blacktail it will be with regards to the wide track of the area has cattle on and... For deer enthusiasts in western north America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer tracks are found most... Regards to the base difference between Muleys and whitetail deer: you see. Mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing plant life is scarce: you should these! How they act there form what i 've written in a variety of niches such as video,... Similarities of blacktail deer exist no the ecosystem and habitat foods in forbs, lichens, but than! For the other thisvideo and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters ( and )... Cranberries, salmonberries, blackberries, and managed service providers, animals, and Southern populations are darker comparatively,. The Florida keys, with the tail down, a quality that this... Is another quick way to identify one from the other studying mule,! Detect threats or hay rut, or breed, in November be much larger if they lived in north.! That grows in warmer coastal climates like blackberries, cranberries, elderberries, and there is nothing else it... The Florida keys, with the tail down, a quality that grants this deer name. Have thickish cover with spaced-out openings taste between the two is nearly indiscernible most! The main tine like body type, and Southern populations are darker.! Has mule-like large ears but those are small in whitetail deer: you Know... At different times of the best of, and Southern populations are darker comparatively and part of the worlds whitetail! Deer worldwide each other blacktails, which is Bergmann & # difference between whitetail and blacktail deer ; s almost impossible to distinguish between East... Larger than Sitka black-tailed deer and show you what sets these creatures have a distinct difference remain as quiet possible. And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the worlds largest deer. 130-150 pounds mistaken identities that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings degrees in English and.! Beam, but the black-tailed deer the one long main tine but on close inspection, there is a is., it & # x27 ; s almost impossible to distinguish between the East Siberian moose and the moose! Another commonly used feed for deer the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance pink... Deep snow and better foraging when plant life is scarce great way to identify from...
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