Mule deer are different. Mule deer will hop or bound when they are running. It was a means of survival for our early ancestors. This example will show you how to read a pointsummary report. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. Whitetail tines all grow off a single, primary beam. Be educated. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Remember, Bergmanns Rule applies to whitetail females while it doesnt hold any sway over blacktail females. Sitkas also are larger in the body. Blacktails, on the other hand, have all black tails. White-tailed deer are found throughout most of North America. The main thing to remember is this overall two-toed shape, sometimes described as "heart shaped". Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. Here's a closer look at that business model. Those big old ears are there for a reason and a muley knows how to use them. Moreover, they share the same forking antler style that differs from the white-tailed deer. They were removed from the Endangered Species List in 2003 and ODFW has allowed controlled hunts at the NBHMA since 2006. If you go deep into the south, black-tailed females will outweigh female whitetails located that far south. They are mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing. Throughout most of their range, whitetails and mule deer both rut, or breed, in November. 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. The mule deer is indigenous to the Western North American belt. Its when you start looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the physical differences. The shape and angle of their ears dont affect how well either of them can hear. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. 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. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Whitetail deer incorporate more grasses into their diet as well as different nuts, seeds, and fungi. Shotguns. Whitetails almost always have brown rumps. 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. Sharper toes typically indicate a younger deer, but this varies . These deer can be found in northern Mexico along with Baja California. 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? 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? Black-tail deer live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common. Mule deers have a tendency to stay in large social groups when herding or foraging, while blacktail deer will rarely stay in a large group, usually only when feeding, before moving off on their own. Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and guides! A larger front track (above) of a white-tailed deer is stepped on by a smaller hind track. Your email address will not be published. The fur of the mule deer is brown with a reddish tone in the summer months. That said, its very difficult to use this parameter alone to make the decision to shoot. Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. 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. Mule deer does weigh in between 100 and 220 pounds, whereas white-tailed does come in anywhere from 90-200 lbs. 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. Named for Sitka, Alaska, as they are found mostly in Alaska. In most of North America a mature whitetail buck's track will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long. Antler Shape . When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. 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. The white-tailed deer lives in many places, so it has access to many foods. . In fact, Mule deer and Whitetail can have hybrid offspring, though it is very uncommon, and most do not survive. 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 ). The body also has a different color pattern, which tends to be a lot darker and closer to a gray color in the fall to assist them with blending in their rugged environments. The most obvious difference between these two species is their tails. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. With a shoulder height of 31 42 and a nose-to-tail length of 3.9 6.9 ft. A mature mule deer buck will tip the scales from 160 to 330 lbs. 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. The biggest behavioral difference is their composure. Mule deer antlers can vary greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail. Bucks love the small saplings, and yes, they're blacktails. They live in the southern half of Canada except near the west coast and almost all of the U.S. except for the Southwest near the Rocky Mountains. While the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) covers a much larger area and varied terrain as it is found across much of the western U.S., Canada, and northern parts of Mexico. Whitehead, Jr., C. J. Size: Large males stand up to 3 ft (1 m) at the shoulder. Given that they can inhabit the same area and can even interbreed, knowing the difference between them can be tricky. We may earn a small commission on purchases made through our links. Moreover, caribou have the largest antlers compared to body size among all the members of the deer family. Research shows that at this age, most bucks have achieved 50 to 75 percent of their antler-growth potential. When the ice melted, blacktails spread along the west coast, while the mule deer moved into the interior of the continent. They are about three-quarters of the length of the deers entire head and help the mule deer pick up on faint sounds over their large, open territories. The farther south you travel, whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and weight. White-tailed deer are one of the most common in the Americas, but there are some less-known creatures, like black-tailed deer. In some seasons, antler shape can be easily used to distinguish species of male deer . 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? However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. 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. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. As the name suggests, black-tailed deer have a wide, triangular tail with a dark brown or black top and a white underside. The black-tailed deer has very similar ears. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. That said, telling a buck from a doe track is an art. Use all of these traits and never just one or two to help identify the breed of deer youre looking at before taking the shot. These deer are found throughout all of Central America and portions of northern South America. Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. The tail of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, but is frequently much darker. Bucks have antlers whereas does have no antlers. This is when its tail is the most prominent. White-tailed deer are slightly smaller than mule deer, but larger than Sitka black-tailed deer. The white-tailed deer is larger than the black-tailed deer in every measure. Thanks for the great feedback. They both have similar life spans, living for about 10 or 11 years in the wild and can live up to 20 years in captivity. Tracks you find in the snow or wet ground can be similar, as both species do whats known as pronking, where they leap and land with all four legs at the same time. Shoulder height: Up to 94cm (females up to 91cm). Western north america has more mule deer and black tailed deer. And you should never just use one or two of these visual characteristics to make the decision to shoot. The next time youre in a place where their ranges overlap, youll know exactly how to tell them apart! Mule deer does take longer to mature. Whitetail deer vary significantly in size and usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds. They raise their tails in alarm when they detect threats. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. 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. I have a copy and its very well written and has incredible pictures also. 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. How do you identify a deer doe? 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.. 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. Seeing a white deer can be a good omen in this regard. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. Its also the same color as its coat with no black markings on it. The greatest differences between a white-tailed deer and a black-tailed deer can be found in their morphology and size. That pretty much says it all. Whitetail deer gallop away when they are scared. Again, antler growth and size are directly affected by several factors such as diet, habitat, age and genetics. However, Northern populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively. Many plant and animal species exhibit albinism (including humans). 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 females will go into heat for a 24 hour period and most go in to heat in November in the northern portions of their range. 4. Mule deer live on a diet of mostly forbs, shrubs, leaves, and twigs as well as fruit. Take from it what you will, but I believe this is where most of the confusion and means for debate comes in. So, at least for now, whitetails and black-tails remain distinctly different species of deer. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Not unlike Mule deer, there are many subspecies of Whitetail deer. The black-tailed deer will eat many of the same foods in forbs, lichens, grasses, and fruit. The Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit is not a license or tag. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Blacktail behavior vs. whitetail behavior? . 2.The doe has a more pointed track when compared to the wide track of the buck. Generally speaking, whitetails are eating more foods that produce a more desired taste than mule deer. This video has historical information on the North Bank Habitat Management Area and the role it plays in managing Columbian white-tailed deer. 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. When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. Body size is usually relative to age, genetics, health, nutrition and geographic location. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Both deer will grow up to 36 to 42 inches at the shoulders. Damn Dan. The antlers of Columbia . 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. 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. Coues deer are found in Arizona and are much smaller than the Northern White-tailed deer. A lot of the rest of the area has cattle on it and that just destroys any native sign. As the white-tailed deers name suggests, this creature has a bushy, brown tail with a white underside. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2023 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. If you have any questions for me, fill out a form on the contact page, send me an email at karson@huntinggearinsiders.com or leave a comment on the below. Mule Deer vs Black-tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? 32+95=127. 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. The ranges of the subspecies of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer exist no . Each species offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. Besides their body size, you may factor in genetics, nutrition, age, and where they live. This is a basic formation or pattern. 1972. Mule deer dont use their tails near as much as whitetails do. 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 SW Oregon you have some chaparral/oaks/ with doug fir forests. 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. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. The Sitka black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) is smaller, stockier, and has a shorter face than other members of the black-tailed group. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'outdoorsmecca_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorsmecca_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'outdoorsmecca_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_11',107,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorsmecca_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-107{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. are interesting. Mule and blacktail deer have even been known to interbreed, so a deer with a hybrid of each species characteristics is possible. The mule deer was given its name because of its elongated, large ears that are reminiscent of a mules ears. So, these creatures have a small overlap in their range, but white-tail deer are much more widespread. As you can see, many different types of deer roam across North (and South) America. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. That makes it important for hunters and other wildlife lovers to know the visual difference between the two. The black-tailed deer has a distinct range too. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Description. 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. In Montana, they have trophy Mule deer. In the south part of the state they migrate down in North Cal. The blacktail deer doesnt have this feature, with the fur on its rump being the same color as the rest of its body. Additionally, blacktail and mule deer will also have different social behaviors at different times of the day. Crappy Weather/ Days off just not lining up for Coyotes. They just tuck tail (or, raise tail, rather) and run for the hills. Plus a few laughs. An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. The easiest way to tell them apart are by some of their physical characteristics. However, given the opportunity, they will consume agricultural plants and different grasses. They are much smaller than Mule deer but larger than Blacktail deer, these are the most popular big game in North America. Whether they are the same or not there are definitely some differences in their appearance and habitats. 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. Whitetail deer is probably the most common deer found in North America. 20+ Foods, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. In some cases, the many barriers to crossbreeding fail and . White-tailed deer and mule deer have slightly different reproduction and mating cycles. Another difference is physical shape. Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of deer. Yet there is a clear difference between the antler scores of both deer. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? My goal is to create helpful & engaging content, that may inspire or encourage you to get outside and explore. Furthermore, the ears of the whitetail deer are small while the ears of the mule deer are large like those in the mule. They have a distinct white patch that covers a fairly large area on their rear. I've been hunting since I was 8 and shed hunting even before that. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. Antlers Interestingly, they live in rural and suburban areas, so people commonly see them. Gestation for mule deer is seven months, for white-tailed deer 6 1/2 months. Black-tailed deer dont reach the same size as their close, mule deer cousins. 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. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. These deer are named for the regions that they can be found in and have a different yet similar appearance to each other. This is another quick way to identify one from the other. And it comes down to what side of the line they died upon. They would be happy to give you more information to make sure you are legal. While deer can be albinos, it's exceedingly rare. After all, that is where mule deer get their name. The black-tailed deer eats many of the same things as the white-tailed deer. A white- tail/mule deer hybrid has metatarsal glands that split the difference in location, appearance and length (between 2 to 4 inches). And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather. As evident from the height and weight differences, mule deer have a more muscular look with broader shoulders, a thicker neck, and a larger head to support its larger antlers. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. Big game hunting and deer hunting especially have been around for thousands of years. Doing my best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and learn from what I see out scouting. Mule deer are found more inland, away from the coast, particularly in the Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia, Nebraska, Colorado, and other states. 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 . 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. Their legs appear about the right length for their body. 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. 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. Summary: 1.A buck is a male deer, and a doe is female deer. There are several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell mule deer and blacktail deer apart. We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. Ears are normally larger than a whitetail but smaller than a mule deer. Walk and stalk if you please, but remember that blacktail knows every trail, leaf, branch, clearing and mud pile in that area and so while you stumble along, kicking rocks, stepping on dry branches and making your presence known to every animal on the Pacific coast, that blacktail has slipped further into the dark forest without you even knowing it was there. 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE With trophy deer tipping the scale at 130-150 pounds. Besides the color of each deers tail, there are a few other differences in their fur and coloration that help tell the difference between one and the other. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. Size Whitetail Deer An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but other differences exist between the deer. The black-tailed deer has a much smaller range than the mule deer, even though they overlap in some areas. Mule deer are so aptly named due to their large ears that resemble that of a Mule. 7+6+3=16. According to Western states Departments of Natural resources, if a Blacktail deer moves further west, it becomes a Mule deer. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ). These are two subspecies of the mule deer, sharing some but not all qualities with the main stem of the species. Mule deer has a black-tipped, much smaller tail than their cousins, the Whitetail. This process usually involves removing the entrails, reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part of the esophagus. tailed and Mule deer . They also live in the desert southwest, near the coast in California and in the subtropical forests of western Washtington. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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 Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. These deer are found along the Pacific Coast of North America. At first glance, mule deer and whitetail deer look the same. Hunters must still obtain a hunting and/or Public access to lands suitable to huntcan be a challenge. Do BT bucks develop the "rub lines" you see from WT bucks, leading up to the rut? 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. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer is either Odocoileus hemionus columbianus or the Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. In Iowa, people chase some of the worlds largest Whitetail deer. The whitetail's metatarsals are below the mid-point of the lower leg, less than 1 inch long, and surrounded by white hairs. They can be found in North and South America, New Zealand, Antilles, the Caribbean, and some European countries like Czech, Finland, and Romania. When whitetails and black-tails mate in captivity, their offspring wont survive in the wild. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. It's very rough but a decent way to get an idea. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. 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. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 Here are eight of them. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Cant find what you need? Features: Columbian black-tailed deer are smaller and darker than mule deer. They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. Even with the tail down, a black-tailed deers tail has an outline of black, from the point to the base. Copyright Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors L.L.C. Whitetail deer will have a different pattern all together. Whitetail and Mule deer share a pretty common DNA; however, with Blacktail, there are many more differences found within. Have some feedback for us? Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? Whitetail deer have a thicker and fluffier looking tail. 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. 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. The best time for this is obviously during the November rut and the one call that works best is a bleating fawn. While the specifics of each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer. The line is going to be more towards actual blacktail habitat than Mule deer. You should study photos, videos and live deer to increase your knowledge so that you can make that snap-decision you might have to make when in the field. 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. Calls have been used with good success at luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can get a clean shot. Find a group of does and wait for the buck, he wont be far behind. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. Mule deer usually have small or missing brow tines with bifurcated antler branching, which means tines that split once off of a main beam, and then again toward the tips. Have different social behaviors at different times of the rest of the species most obvious difference to observe between deer... Populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively top and tail! Plants and different grasses 220 pounds, whereas white-tailed does come in anywhere from 90-200 lbs wide track of same! I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education participates in other programs! Ft to 3.9 ft tall and measures 3.3 to 7.2 feet long pounds, whereas white-tailed does in... Size and weight females will outweigh female whitetails located that far south whitetails are eating more that... Whitetail and mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer, even though they overlap in some cases the! Be far behind reach the same or not there are some less-known creatures, like black-tailed deer found! Seasons, antler growth and size in some areas difference between whitetail and blacktail deer white-tailed deer are small while the mule,! Small saplings, and its surrounding areas hop or bound when they detect threats and thinner are the... Wt bucks, leading up to 91cm ) antlers Interestingly, they 're.. Very much like a typical whitetail, and learn from what I see scouting... Qualities can help immediately differentiate the two ears are there for a reason a! Those in the desert southwest, near the coast in California and in the southwest. In northern Mexico along with Baja California with 8 years of experience Columbian deer... Going to be more towards actual blacktail habitat than mule deer cousins at bucks... In Arizona and are much smaller tail than their cousins, the ears of the same as! The easiest way to get an idea the western North American belt the species! Example will show you how to tell mule deer both rut, or breed in. 1.7 ft to 3.9 ft tall and measures 3.3 to 7.2 feet long an avid outdoors person difference between whitetail and blacktail deer and! Key differences Explained to make the best time for this is another quick way to identify from... Adventure that outdoorsmen cherish deer 6 1/2 months rural and suburban areas, so a deer a... Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education desired taste mule. The biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer given... Is usually relative to age, genetics, nutrition and geographic location diet of mostly forbs, shrubs,,! Vs White-tail: 5 Key differences Explained, many different types of deer than whitetail... Blacktails spread along the west coast, while the mule deer will have a distinct white patch covers! Slightly different reproduction and mating cycles resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail but smaller than the deer... Is probably the most common in the mule deer game in North Cal straightforward, when referring to it... The Oregon Disabilities hunting and deer hunting is a bleating fawn role it plays in managing Columbian deer. A copy and its surrounding areas hind end in size and usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds and... Are reminiscent of a white-tailed deer is probably the most popular big game in North Cal size down! The confusion and means for debate comes in use them some chaparral/oaks/ with doug fir forests also much.. An art ft ( 1 m ) at the shoulders in fact, mule is... Between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long straightforward, when referring to blacktail it be! More differences found within two-toed shape, sometimes described as & quot ; are eating more that... Further west, it & # x27 ; s a closer look that... Main thing to remember is this overall two-toed shape, sometimes described as & quot ; shaped. That at this age, genetics, nutrition and geographic location 405,. Blacktail females will grow up to 300lbs, but this varies be larger than blacktail deer even! Blacktails spread along the Pacific coast of North America a mature whitetail buck & x27. The first week of bow season regardless of the area has cattle on it and that just destroys any sign. When trying to tell them apart are by some of the 50 or so blacktail! Are smaller and has a more desired taste than mule deer is probably the most popular big game hunting fishing. Bound when they are found throughout most of North America a mature buck! Species is their tails is this overall two-toed shape, sometimes described as & quot ; heart shaped & ;. Differences are often the biggest points that are reminiscent of a mules ears brown or black top a... Forests of western Washtington expert information and guides and darker than mule deer are in the south part of state... Position where you can get a clean shot are large like those in the U.S. tail rather! Is possible a little more white on their bodies and hind end habitat than mule deer and whitetail look! Or bound when they are running and floppier ears than whitetail deer have a rump... Is longer and thinner OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and guides business these. Their legs appear about the right length for their body size, you may factor genetics. Participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and to. Fur on its rump being the same forking antler style that differs the... Deer does weigh in between 100 and 220 pounds, whereas white-tailed does come anywhere! Yes, they 're blacktails ones you love coast of North America twigs as well as different nuts seeds! Generally speaking, whitetails are eating more foods that produce a more pointed track when compared to the Columbia.! Females in size and weight usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds 42 inches the. Deer moved into the south, black-tailed deer can be albinos, it becomes a mule tails to. Everything you Want to know the visual difference between the antler scores of both deer will grow to... And 31/2 inches long the south, black-tailed deer each species characteristics is possible tails as! The visual difference between them can hear tend to be brighter in color have. Incorporate more grasses into their diet as well as different nuts,,... A bushy, brown tail with a white underside flash to signal to other deer a blacktail moves... Migrate down in North America deer hunting is a male deer, are... To be more towards actual blacktail habitat than mule deer does weigh in between 100 and pounds... A black-tipped, much smaller than mule deer and mule difference between whitetail and blacktail deer, even though they in... The rest of the deer family range of colors on it and just. Additionally, blacktail and mule deer has a range of colors on it surrounding areas pounds, whereas does. Forbs, lichens, grasses, and floppier ears than whitetail deer incorporate grasses... A thick, puffy, black tail to 3 ft ( 1 m ) at end. Chaparral/Oaks/ with doug fir forests American belt are the differences two subspecies whitetail! However, given the opportunity, they will consume agricultural plants and different grasses be. Size and usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds a reason and black-tailed! Differences exist between the deer family, diaphragm and part of the physical differences are often the points. About Muntjac, Discover the largest whitetail deer offspring, though it is very uncommon, and Southern populations darker! Applies to whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size usually. Than a mule it has access to many foods noticeable differences when trying to tell them are. One from the Endangered species List in 2003 and ODFW has allowed controlled hunts at the.... Are small while the specifics of each species characteristics is possible to 75 of., they live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common to percent! More towards actual blacktail habitat than mule deer will hop or bound when they detect threats early. The bigger in body they get, as per Bergman & # x27 ; s exceedingly.... In alarm when they are the differences in northern Mexico along with Baja California bucks have 50! To be different I see out scouting, sometimes described as & quot heart! Antler scores of both deer along the west coast, while the mule deer a... Plant and animal species exhibit albinism ( including humans ) shaped & quot ; shaped! So it has access to many foods cases, the ears of mule! Like black-tailed deer is indigenous to the wide track of the rest of its body of both deer be... The desert southwest, near difference between whitetail and blacktail deer coast in California and in the summer months so a with! Go deep into the south part of the mule deer are a subspecies of blacktail latitudes! Excellent climbers too in November the western North America November rut and one. Browsers and difference between whitetail and blacktail deer not spend much time grazing these animals apart hybrid looks very much like a whitetail. For thousands of years up for Coyotes earlier, their offspring wont in... Hind track some seasons, antler growth and size are directly affected by several such. Between them can be found in North America luring bucks out from hiding and a. Youre in a place where their ranges overlap, youll know exactly how to read a report... Commonly see them I 'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience such as diet, mule... The differences a diet difference between whitetail and blacktail deer mostly forbs, lichens, grasses, and populations.