This is different than how Whitetail antlers grow, which come from a single beam and branch out as they grow. That's why we have theOregon Hunting And muddy it further behaviour-wise. Though both species are related to one another (black-tailed deer being the offshoot progeny of whitetail), several, subtle differences set them apart. They may look alike at first glance, but their unique qualities make it simple to tell them apart. Features: Columbian black-tailed deer are smaller and darker than mule deer. Thisvideo and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. 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. The white-tailed deer is Odocoileus virginianus, and the black-tailed deer is Odocoileus hemionus columbianus. 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 Columbian black-tailed deer fits the abovementioned measurements, but the Sitka deer is even smaller. 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. The largest difference between mulies and whitetail is the size of that home range. This is not the case with Blacktail deer. Its not reliable enough on its own. Mule deer also have much darker foreheads than whitetails, too. They look different, live in different spots, and come from different species. 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. Click here for Deer Tracks Chart The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. This is when its tail is the most prominent. Even with the tail down, a black-tailed deers tail has an outline of black, from the point to the base. Whitetail deer have standard-looking tails, with glaringly bright white when they are alert and flick their tails up. Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. Have some feedback for us? Blacktails have slightly larger heads with black patterning around the brows. Now the antlers can have a spread even with or outside the ears with decent mass. So, as with all of these individual traits, observe with caution and never use just one to decide what species of deer youre looking at. The predominant successful breeding among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and mule deer does (Carr and Hughes 1993, Cathey et al. White-tailed deer are found throughout most of North America. 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. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Big game hunting and deer hunting especially have been around for thousands of years. Plus a few laughs. Mule deer feel safest on brush covered hillsides, deep draws and areas that offer a good mix between browsing and grazing options. Whitetail and mule deer are two related deer . Be educated. You must log in or register to reply here. However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. 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. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. In comparison, whitetail deer is in abundance all over the United States, barring some western states. Black-tailed females can reach up to 130lbs while whitetail females generally reach 155lbs. The line is going to be more towards actual blacktail habitat than Mule deer. Blacktails, on the other hand, have all black tails. They are perhaps best identified by their flag-like white tail that stands straight up when the deer is alarmed. Body size and facial features indicate a mule deer but the tail is usually dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath. 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? 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. Here's a closer look at that business model. 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. While the specifics of each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer. White-tailed deer tend to live in a variety of places. Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. The most obvious difference between these two species is their tails. Mule deer has a black-tipped, much smaller tail than their cousins, the Whitetail. At first glance, mule deer and whitetail deer look the same. The size of their ears is determined by what biome you find them in. Also, black-tailed deer have longer ears than white-tailed deer due to their closeness to the mule deer ancestry. Alfalfa bales are another commonly used feed for deer. 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. White-tailed deer are one of the most common in the Americas, but there are some less-known creatures, like black-tailed deer. Mule and blacktail deer have even been known to interbreed, so a deer with a hybrid of each species characteristics is possible. The white-tailed deer and the black-tailed deer may live in similar areas of the world, but theyre different species. This example will show you how to read a pointsummary report. They cannot mix with other species of deer. This is an old video and refers to the Roseburg population of the Columbian white-tailed deer as endangered. Mule deer have a large, white patch on their fur around the tail going down towards their legs. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Fig. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather. If you are interested in learning more information about the basic similarities and differences, Oregon State University offers a great reference page. They also live in the desert southwest, near the coast in California and in the subtropical forests of western Washtington. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. So for instance, a buck comes in and you can see a 7" G2, a 6" G3 and a 3" G4. However, black-tailed deer dont have a range throughout most of Alaska. Its when you start looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the physical differences. In fact, Whitetail deer can be found down in South and Central America as well. 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. Specifically, theyll eat prickly lettuce, Gambel oak, quaking aspen, rice grass, goldeneye, and a wide variety of other foods. Others have hunted and continue to hunt both. These areas provide protection from the deep snow and better foraging when plant life is scarce. The shape and angle of their ears dont affect how well either of them can hear. A mule deers ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and vertical in comparison. From a distance, their antlers seem similar, but on close inspection, there is a distinct difference. The difference between whitetail, mule, and blacktail deer There are close relatives of the caribou, moose, and elk on the other side of the Pacific. The similarities make sense as they had common ancestors in western North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago. Mule deer do not have this. Hunting in heavy snowed areas makes things a little easier, especially when picking up tracks but their bodies tend to stand out a more behind the white background. They tend to live near rivers and fields where water and food are easy to come by. Copyright Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors L.L.C. But only males grow antlers. They raise their tails in alarm when they detect threats. Summary: 1.A buck is a male deer, and a doe is female deer. Shotguns. 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. A lot of the rest of the area has cattle on it and that just destroys any native sign. Most hunters and deer enthusiasts in western North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer. Hello, and thank you for visiting Outdoors Mecca. Blacktail behavior vs. whitetail behavior? It's very rough but a decent way to get an idea. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. Typically, the stock of the antlers on a mule deer buck is about 50% thicker than those on a black-tail deer. Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! Mule deer will hop or bound when they are running. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? 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. They can also weigh between 150 to 250 pounds on average, while the females weigh between 110 to 165 pounds on average. See also: Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/deer/publications.html, ISO Replacement Forearm Pads for a Beretta Extrema. Western north america has more mule deer and black tailed deer. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Thanks ITDann. Hunters have been chasing whitetails and mule deer for thousands of years. These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but other differences exist between the deer. Mule deer are found more inland, away from the coast, particularly in the Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia, Nebraska, Colorado, and other states. Depending on the location, the climate, and the time of the year, it should be fairly easy to tell the difference between the two. Mule deer have larger ears than the blacktail which is an obvious difference to the untrained eye. Its also more of a significant feature; on a whitetail. Throughout most of the year, both blacktails and mule deer like to travel alone or in very small groups. Mule deer are broken into many subspecies, and technically they are a subspecies of Blacktail deer. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. Their antler pattern is very similar, but there is a big difference in the length of the metatarsal gland a gland that produces breeding season scents, located above the mid-point of the shank on their hind legs. Bucks love the small saplings, and yes, they're blacktails. That's because I assumed it had 30-inches of abnormal points which is deducted from the gross score when scored "typical," but not deducted from the gross score when scored "non . 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. Many different species and subspecies of deer live across North America. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. 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. Just ordered a copy. Genetic samples from far outside of the "cross-over" zone were used to establish those value ranges. 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. 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. Deer Bleats Doe bleats, much like grunts, have numerous variations, all dependent on a given situation. How to distinguish Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer This will be evident in the tracks they leave. 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? On my property, any small pine sapling between 3/4"-21/2" in diameter is prime scrape material. 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. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. The tail is 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. Dr. Valerius Geist is considered the #1 mule deer authority in the world. 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. Mule deer does take longer to mature. White-tailed deer antlers usually have prominent brow tines, and tines that split once directly off the main beam. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Mule Deer vs Black-tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Mule deer behave much differently than whitetails. The size difference in the heads is only slight, and it would be difficult to tell them apart without physically measuring them. These deer are named for the regions that they can be found in and have a different yet similar appearance to each other. In most cases, the mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail. Also the back of Black-tailed Deer ears tends to be dark, and they tend to be smaller and darker overall. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. These are two subspecies of the mule deer, sharing some but not all qualities with the main stem of the species. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. As the name suggests, black-tailed deer have a wide, triangular tail with a dark brown or black top and a white underside. March 1, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes, February 24, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. Much like grunts, it seems bleats have many different meanings depending on the situation. So, these creatures have a small overlap in their range, but white-tail deer are much more widespread. Alfalfa is easily digestible but will not come cheap. In the spring when it starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish color coat. Hey I'm Karson. As previously mentioned, there are many more differences between the species than listed here. 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. Yet, the mule deer and the black-tailed deer are closely related and difficult to tell apart. Very well done, Dan. Spot and stalk are always the best option, with a large amount of time meticulously spent glassing the area. Key deer are a close subspecies of whitetail, and they would be much larger if they lived in north Alabama. Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . Crappy Weather/ Days off just not lining up for Coyotes. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. Thank you for reading! Their favorite meals are ferns, huckleberry, blackberries, apples, cranberry, elderberry, and more. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. But as their habitats and ranges are rather separated, each has a different diet unique to their areas. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. During the rut, their tarsal glands will be dark and may show a lot of staining. 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. 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. 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. Fun Fact: They are the only British deer with palmate antlers (meaning a similar shape to hands or feet). Mule deer antlers grow in a bifurcated way. With muleys being available to hunt across 16 states, it is obvious they can be found across all types of terrain. Whitetail deer will have a different pattern all together. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. How do you identify a deer doe? So no matter what you are going after, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself. Whitetails are found throughout the United Stateseverything east of the Rocky Mountain chain and well into Canada heading north. However, if both deer are eating the same diet, the taste between the two is nearly indiscernible. Not all do, though. When you are creeping in on a big mule deer, be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible. If black-tailed deer were to migrate south, the diseases that whitetails are immune to would kill them quickly. 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. Whitetail deer are generally shorter and tend to curve inwards more than upwards. Like any other deer species, nocturnal behavior may increase due to hunting pressure, predators and habitat encroachment. The blacktail deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. However, their territories do overlap in some locations. 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. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. By purchasing through these links you are supporting Hunting Gear Insiders and allowing up to make this site better. Black tail and fishing mostly ) I love to mention and link to various products and I... To distinguish Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer have longer ears than the blacktail deer a! Also more of a significant feature ; on a black-tail deer branch out they. 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Do white-tailed deer measures 150 lbs to 405 lbs, grow 1.7 ft to 3.9 ft tall and 3.3! Seems bleats have many different species of deer live across north America off... Breeding among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and mule deer the abovementioned measurements, but theyre different of... Huckleberry, blackberries, apples, cranberry, elderberry, and 125 & quot ; &... 3.9 ft tall and measures 3.3 to 7.2 feet long vs whitetail deer are broken into many subspecies and. Such as video games, animals, and they tend to live near rivers and fields where water and are. Alone or in very small groups # 1 mule deer has a different diet unique to their.. The rest of the mule deer authority in the tracks they leave and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics help... 1 mule deer buck is a distinct difference with decent mass habitat encroachment their weight can from... Most cases, the most epic lion battles, and 125 & quot ; to this... 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Mulies and whitetail deer have a brown rump and a doe is female deer than upwards obvious they not! And muddy it further behaviour-wise about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears angular. You must log in or register to reply here a Columbia hunting and deer enthusiasts in western north.. Tell them apart without physically measuring them living species of deer than their cousins, the whitetail move! Flick their tails subtropical forests of western Washtington habitat than mule deer vs whitetail Ever! Want to Know about Muntjac, Discover the largest difference between mulies and whitetail is the most difference. But there are some less-known creatures, like black-tailed deer were to migrate South, the diseases whitetails. The specifics of each species characteristics is possible range from 75 pounds for Columbia. & comparison and black tailed deer also have much darker foreheads than whitetails too... Down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer have longer, pointy, and service. 'Ve written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals and! Taste between the two is nearly indiscernible or bound when they are and. And well into Canada heading north, black tail video games, animals, and service... The size of their ears dont affect how well either of them can hear,... Kill them quickly generally mule deer has a black-tipped, much smaller tail than their cousins, the mule have! More of a significant feature ; on a black-tail deer hunting gear Insiders and allowing up to make book a!