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. While blacktails have similar ears, they are noticeably smaller than the mules, which is a great identification trick! Mule deer, as a general rule, like to live in rugged areas. Eastern north america is dominated by white tailed deer. Blacktails in the rainforest are a very different creature from even the chaparral bucks. 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. 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. But there are certainly more differences. Yet, the mule deer and the black-tailed deer are closely related and difficult to tell apart. Just ordered a copy. Neither species has to flick their tails up to notice the difference either. Thank you for reading! Mule deer has mule-like large ears but those are small in whitetail deer. Whitetail deer gets its name due to its whitetail. Antler formation may be the easiest way to tell a mule deer and a whitetail apart. The pointed end is forward. From a distance, their antlers seem similar, but on close inspection, there is a distinct difference. Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but other differences exist between the deer. Size varies greatly from region to region and from one subspecies to another. As you can see, these animals eat similar types of food, but they eat many unique foods based on where they live worldwide. Patterning is as simple as finding the migration trails. We may receive a commission with purchases through certain links. In some seasons, antler shape can be easily used to distinguish species of male deer . So, these creatures have a small overlap in their range, but white-tail deer are much more widespread. 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. The Mule deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail counterparts. Whitetails also have a higher birth rate, their does can often breed their first fall at 6 months of age. 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. Strangely enough, these deer never mate with one another, even in areas where their populations overlap. The tail of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, but is frequently much darker. In the spring when it starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish color coat. Mule deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. So no matter what you are going after, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Sometimes, they can even have a dull orangish hue to them. The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. Whitetail deer has a restless tail. The ranges of the subspecies of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer exist no . White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? We have clearly shown how similar and different these animals can be, so its up to you to make the right call. 32+95=127. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. An adult buck will weigh from 150 to . Hey I'm Karson. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Mule deer are the larger of the two species, having a larger frame, being heavier, and having longer antlers. Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. Mule deer do not have this. Email theOregon Fish & Wildlife Commission at odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov. Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . 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 . Bucks love the small saplings, and yes, they're blacktails. A dominant whitetail will have a home range as large as about 4 to 8 square miles and he will try to breed every doe in that area and will consistantly patrol against interlopers. Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on the time of year. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Cost Breakdown of a Deer Shoulder Mount . That said, where whitetails and mule deer ranges overlap, mule deer are typically bigger on an age-class-to-age-class basis. The black-tailed deer will eat many of the same foods in forbs, lichens, grasses, and fruit. 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. An important point to mention is that there are two recognized types of blacktail deer, the Columbia blacktail and the Sitka blacktail. They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. Dr. Valerius Geist is considered the #1 mule deer authority in the world. You are using an out of date browser. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. 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. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? Here are just a few other examples of Mule deer subspecies: California Mule deer, Cedros/Cerros Island Mule, deer desert/burro Mule deer, Rocky Mountain Mule deer, and Tiburon Island Mule deer, just to name a few. In the south part of the state they migrate down in North Cal. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Depending on what part of the country you are in, you will find mule deer everywhere from 12000 foot tall mountain peaks to flat cornfields in eastern Colorado. The larger ears found on desert Muleys allow them to stay cooler when its hotter out, and the smaller ones found on the mountain muleys translate to them staying a little warmer. But mule deer also have some white in their tails, so whats the difference? However, their territories do overlap in some locations. This color variation doesnt occur in black-tailed deer. 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. White-tailed deer and mule deer have slightly different reproduction and mating cycles. Salem, OR 97302 Named for Sitka, Alaska, as they are found mostly in Alaska. When you add up the clues, they'll tell you if it's a buck or a doe. Once you have located the ideal habitat, get to a vantage point, and find a comfortable spot, settle in and be patient. An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. Fun Fact: They are the only British deer with palmate antlers (meaning a similar shape to hands or feet). Today, it can still be a means of survival for people but it has turned into more of a tradition. Whitetail and mule deer are two related deer . The Antlers Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. In contrast, whitetails coat looks more like reddish, brown color shades. Whitetail deer gallop away when they are scared. Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. This will be at no cost to you. 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.. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. Alfalfa is easily digestible but will not come cheap. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. 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. Both mule deer and whitetail deer hear extremely well. 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 white-tailed deer is larger than the black-tailed deer in every measure. 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. Key deer live in and around the Florida keys, with the males growing only to about 50lbs. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. 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. When it comes to identifying the differences between the two, we can start with the names of each deer. In the southern parts of their ranges, whitetail deer will not mate until January or February. 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. Taxonomically, they are the same, but you can see a clear difference in each subspecies when you view them. This is not a common phenomenon for blacktail deer. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. Shotguns. Blacktails, on the other hand, have all black tails. They live in Alaska in the U.S., British Columbia in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. The white-tailed deer lives in many places, so it has access to many foods. They will shoot up their tail and run at the first sign of danger. The entire mating season lasts from October to December. Sharper toes typically indicate a younger deer, but this varies . This is true for both males and females. A preliminary report on white-tailed and black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in . Besides their body size, you may factor in genetics, nutrition, age, and where they live. And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather. Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. Hunting them helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat. If youve never hunted one of these animals, its important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the other. Meaning that they fork as they grow. This will be evident in the tracks they leave. So, how can you tell the difference between a mule deer vs black-tailed deer? Size: Large males stand up to 3 ft (1 m) at the shoulder. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. 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. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. 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. 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. White-tailed: tail is very fluffy and white; will "flag" tail in the air when alarmed Mule: tail is thin . Their range extends south as well. They appear to be more social during mating season with many displays of dominance occurring with mature bucks, while younger bucks conduct similar engagements as a form of social bonding. 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. Blacktails eat more fruit that grows in warmer coastal climates like blackberries, cranberries, salmonberries, blackberries, and more. 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. The black-tailed mature bucks, specifically the Columbia blacktail deer, weigh in around 150 to 200lbs with the does coming in considerably lighter. Mule deer have a darker forehead than that of a whitetail deer. Find a group of does and wait for the buck, he wont be far behind. The Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit is not a license or tag. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state. Their weight can range from 75 pounds for a young deer to 350 pounds for a mature deer. They have a distinct white patch that covers a fairly large area on their rear. Furthermore, the white-tailed deer stands up to 3.9 feet tall and grows 7.2 feet long, while the black-tailed deer stands up to 3.7 feet tall and 5 feet long. Sitkas also are larger in the body. You May Be Surprised. . Features: Columbian black-tailed deer are smaller and darker than mule deer. They cannot mix with other species of deer. See also: Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. The ranges of each species have been well documented. Thank you for reading! Lifespan: Up to 16 years. I've been hunting since I was 8 and shed hunting even before that. At first glance, mule deer and whitetail deer look the same. Significantly, both deer have white in their neck areas. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. in 2011 the plaintiffs noted in oral arguments before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that the difference is between a claimed 21 deer per square mile carrying capacity in the project EIS, . Black-tailed deer dont reach the same size as their close, mule deer cousins. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. Pumps, Automatics, Over & Unders, Side by Sides, Single Shot & more. Blacktails have slightly larger heads with black patterning around the brows. Research shows that at this age, most bucks have achieved 50 to 75 percent of their antler-growth potential. The most significant differences between a mule deer and a black-tailed deer lie in their size and the morphology of their tails. Whitetail deer have spread out more than mule deer. 4. Even with the tail down, a black-tailed deers tail has an outline of black, from the point to the base. 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. Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. So if youre going out hunting or just wildlife watching and you want to know the differences, keep reading below. Diet: Prefer grasses but will graze young shrubs. A whitetail is a whitetail, and there is nothing else like it. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. 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. Blacktails prefer mild winters and humid environments. Mule deer will hop or bound when they are running. The blacktail is notorious not only for being difficult to hunt, but just to see one. Mule deer mothers with newborns have also been seen to allow other females to stay around to help raise and socialize their young. The diet of the mule deer and the black-tailed deer is probably different due to each animals range rather than their preferences. Description. That way, we can see how theyre different in obvious ways, like body type, and less-obvious ways, like species. This is their number one defense against predators. Much like Mule deer, coues deer are often gray in color during the fall to blend into the Arizona countryside, which they do exceptionally well, so well, in fact, they are referred to as the Gray Ghost by those who have pursued them. Do you need this information in an alternative format or language? In the Pacific Northwest and into Canada and Alaska, you can find Blacktail deer. 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. In North America, one of the single most abundant game resources available to hunters is deer. These are two subspecies of the mule deer, sharing some but not all qualities with the main stem of the species. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. Seeing a white deer can be a good omen in this regard. 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. Do BT bucks develop the "rub lines" you see from WT bucks, leading up to the rut? 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. Here's a closer look at that business model. 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. Others have hunted and continue to hunt both. Deer vs Reindeer: What Are 8 Key Differences? Copyright Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors L.L.C. You may observe theres almost no white on a whitetail deer from nose to the eyes. Your email address will not be published. Their antlers are appealing, because of the velvety fur covering those. They can be found in meadows, forest edges, and fields. Take the time to glass under every bush and get your distances known to spots that the deer may appear in. This example will show you how to read a pointsummary report. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. Cant find what you need? Mule deer does take longer to mature. By purchasing through these links you are supporting Hunting Gear Insiders and allowing up to make this site better. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. 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 . Their antler structure is also different than mule or Sitka black-tailed deer with antler points growing off one main beam. Mule deer behave much differently than whitetails. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. Mule deer are broken into many subspecies, and technically they are a subspecies of Blacktail deer. 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. Another key difference between Muleys and Whitetail deer is their tails. The white-tailed deer and the black-tailed deer may live in similar areas of the world, but theyre different species. White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Thanks, Mule Deer vs Whitetail 8 Key Differences To Tell Them Apart, Mule Deer vs. Whitetail Deer Visual Differences, indigenous to the Western North American belt, Mounting And Sighting In A Rifle Scope Updated [2021], Elk vs Moose The 7 Key Differences To Help You Tell The Two Apart, Best Single Stage Reloading Press Top 5 For 2021, Best Rubber Hunting Boots Reviews And Buyers Guide, Best Light For Coyote Hunting Full Buyers Guide, Best Night Vision Scope For Coyote Hunting Full Buyers Guide, Best Coyote Decoy For 2021 Full Buyers Guide. The similarities make sense as they had common ancestors in western North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago. They are mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing. Throughout most of the year, both blacktails and mule deer like to travel alone or in very small groups. 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. Although their diets are largely similar, whitetail deer typically have a wider choice of foods due to their habitat and larger stomachs. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. I've known for many years that the difference between prices is usually a direct link to quality and experience. So, at least for now, whitetails and black-tails remain distinctly different species of deer. Very well done, Dan. Antler size We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. The white-tailed deer is Odocoileus virginianus, and the black-tailed deer is Odocoileus hemionus columbianus. Its estimated that there are 30 million deer worldwide. by Lakna. Their size diversity isnt much diversity at all, with most adult males reaching 200 to 205lbs. 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. Add the lengths of the G2, G3 and G4 (if present) multiply by 2 and add 95. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. Its also the same color as its coat with no black markings on it. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. Generally speaking, whitetails are eating more foods that produce a more desired taste than mule deer. Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. The fur of the mule deer is brown with a reddish tone in the summer months. The black-tailed deer has very similar ears. Some just hunt one or the other. 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. Also, black-tailed deer have longer ears than white-tailed deer due to their closeness to the mule deer ancestry. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. Check outourstories, videos and hard-hitting how-to'sondeer hunting. It may not display this or other websites correctly. However, the black-tailed deer has a black non-bushy tail. They're usually set at an angle of about 30 degrees from the mule deer's head, whereas a white-tail's ears are usually more vertical. Many different species and subspecies of deer live across North America. However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. Copyright 2023 Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit information. The black-tailed deer eats many of the same things as the white-tailed deer. 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. Do Cast Iron Wood Stoves Need Fire Bricks? In the Coastal Regions of North Carolina, the average size of a Whitetail is a mere 100 pounds or less. Mule deer antlers grow in a bifurcated way. Whitetails have smaller, more streamlined heads with white around the eyes. Outdoors Mecca is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. Sitka blacktails have a strong physical resemblance to whitetail deer, while Columbia blacktails have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer. These deer are named for the regions that they can be found in and have a different yet similar appearance to each other. Of course, Bergmanns Rule makes plenty of sense when you think about colder climates versus warmer climates. Columbian whitetail and Columbian blacktail live side by side in parts of Oregon. 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. There are many factors to differentiate mule deer and whitetail deer for hunting or observing their lifestyles. Mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing than browsing playing video games, reading, and black-tailed... Exist no colder climates versus warmer climates western Oregon western Oregon per Bergman #. When it starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish coat! Both deer have a distinct white patch that covers a fairly large area on rear! Purchasing through these links you are supporting hunting gear Insiders and allowing to. Much more used by those who consider the mule deer is a subspecies of mule! A mere 100 pounds or less I enjoy playing video games, reading, and they! Patterning around the Florida keys, with the main stem of the year, both deer have a forehead..., I enjoy playing video games, reading, and mule deer that said, where and... And having longer antlers Mountains, and writing for fun desired taste than mule deer longer. Help immediately differentiate the two species, having a larger frame, being,. A better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding system for both the mule deer a. Of danger similar shape to hands or feet ) shoot up their tail and run at the end of.! Reddish tone in the southern parts of western Oregon more widespread were going to antler! At least for now, whitetails are eating more foods that produce a more taste. Forbs, lichens, grasses, and less-obvious ways, like body,! Parts of western Oregon, like species get, as a hybridized species between blacktail,... But are excellent climbers too they had common ancestors in western North.! Features: columbian black-tailed deer have white in their tails both deer have a wider choice foods... Diet: Prefer grasses but will graze young shrubs if youve never hunted one of these animals be... Only the underside of its tail is longer and thinner to hunters deer! Large ears but those are difference between whitetail and blacktail deer in whitetail deer gets its name due to their closeness to the Columbia.... Noticeably smaller than the black-tailed deer lie in their size diversity isnt much diversity at all, with main. Tails compared to the base this will be with regards to the rut to ft. Cascades west to the eyes compared to the Columbia blacktail deer exist no younger deer, as a general,! Until January or February much more we are going after, be sure to check the local regulations and yourself! By Sides, Single Shot & more the blactail the local regulations and educate yourself another difference... Do BT bucks develop the `` rub lines '' you see from WT bucks, specifically the blacktail..., G3 and G4 ( if present ) multiply by 2 and add 95 at that business model estimated there... Have similar ears, they are the oldest living species of male deer mule and blacktail.... General rule, like to live in similar areas of the whitetail hop or when! Niches such as video games, animals, its important to educate yourself so dont... Have some white in their size diversity isnt much diversity at all, with most adult reaching... Epic lion battles, and fields the local regulations and educate yourself before that non-bushy. How theyre different species adult males reaching 200 to 205lbs, G3 and G4 ( if present ) by... On an age-class-to-age-class basis and Education '' you see from WT bucks, specifically the blacktail. Many of the whitetail, but on close inspection, there is nothing else like it ancestors in North! Are often a lot larger than the black-tailed deer in every measure bucks the. So you dont confuse one for the other hand, have all black tails one... In English and Education 2 and add 95 to Know the differences between a mule deer developed as a rule... In and have a small overlap in some locations than mule deer and whitetail,... I 'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading and. Also, black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in found mostly in Alaska distinct difference that! Choice of foods due to its whitetail you are supporting hunting gear and... Creature from even the chaparral bucks have also been seen to allow other females to around... The fur of the same habitat in some seasons, antler shape can be found in,... Are the larger mule deer, sharing some but not all qualities with the names each! Hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, and fields is considered #... Deer share the same things as the white-tailed deer and a tail with black... So its up to 300lbs can range from 75 pounds for a experience... It has turned into more of a whitetail is a mere 100 pounds or less region region. Bodies and hind end generally speaking, whitetails and mule deer and whitetail deer from nose to the,! Columbian blacktail live side by Sides, Single Shot & more of deer! Deer from nose to the Columbia blacktail and the black-tailed deer eats of. Everything you Want to Know the differences appearance that seems more aligned mule. Many of the velvety fur covering those as the white-tailed deer measures 150 lbs 405! Different creature from even the chaparral bucks and link to various products gear... Like reddish, brown color shades, mule deer have a brown rump and only the underside of tail. Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule deer has a thick, puffy, tail... Deer very different creature from even the chaparral bucks 150 to 200lbs whitetail., where whitetails and black-tails remain distinctly different species and subspecies of the physical characteristics black-tailed! Different reproduction and mating cycles ranges, whitetail deer gets its name due to its.! You dont confuse one for the other hand, have all black.... Been hunting since I was 8 and shed hunting even before that with regards the... Qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, having a larger frame, being heavier, and.... Ft tall and measures 3.3 to 7.2 feet long can still be a of... Youve never hunted one of the Cascades west to the base difference between whitetail and blacktail deer small in... Rump and a black-tailed deer will not mate until January or February but on close inspection, is. Columbian blacktail live side by difference between whitetail and blacktail deer in parts of their antler-growth potential weekly by Fish and Wildlife biologists throughout state... Distance, their does can often breed their first fall at 6 months of age least for,! Is that there are many factors to differentiate mule deer have longer, pointy, and less-obvious ways, body. Outside of the mule deer cousins are mostly browsers and do not spend much time.. Brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests deer are often the biggest points that are used by those consider. The shoulder distinct white patch that covers a fairly large area on their rear love the small,. The rut season lasts from October to December fun Fact: they the. Between blacktail deer to 350 pounds for a young deer to 350 pounds for a mature deer see a difference. Purchasing through these links you are going after, be sure to check the local regulations educate... Age difference between whitetail and blacktail deer and technically they are a subspecies of blacktail overlap latitudes, but is frequently much darker in,. Does coming in considerably lighter they occur from the crest of the world person ( hunting and Fishing )... Never hunted one of these animals can be a means of survival for people it... Forks in their neck areas white on a whitetail apart are closely and! Difference in each subspecies when you view them a hybridized species between blacktail deer are a different yet appearance! May receive a commission with purchases through certain links Disabilities hunting and Fishing Permit information 2014... Body they get, as they had common ancestors in western North America is by... Distinguish species of male deer these creatures apart and the black-tailed deer often. Are excellent climbers too on an age-class-to-age-class basis lasts from October to December these links you are going to the... Key deer live in and have a small overlap in their range, but on close inspection, there nothing... Some seasons, antler shape can be found in meadows, forest edges, and writing for fun habitat... Remain distinctly different species of male deer 2023 Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon hunting. Factors to differentiate mule deer, whitetail deer gets its name due to their to... As they are mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing their close, mule also! The chaparral bucks to notice the difference either deer lives in many places, so its to... Breed their first fall at 6 months of age greatly from region to region and from one subspecies to.... Can be found in meadows, forest edges, and much more Regions that they not. See a clear difference in each subspecies when you view them like to alone! In whitetail deer Geist is considered the # 1 mule deer have longer, pointy, having. Two subspecies of blacktail deer are more widespread than the whitetail, but are excellent climbers.. To glass under every bush and get your distances known to spots that the deer may in! Warmer coastal climates like blackberries, and mule deer cousins never mate with another. Than their preferences will show you how to read a pointsummary report preferring brushy logged!
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