They raise their tails in alarm when they detect threats. Salem, OR 97302 The mule deer has larger ears than the black-tailed deer, a quality that grants this deer its name. When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. Black-tail deer live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common. 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. 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 ). As you can see, these animals eat similar types of food, but they eat many unique foods based on where they live worldwide. The Columbia blacktail (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) ranges from central California up into the northern coastal areas of British Columbia, preferring thick vegetation and high rainfall areas. They tend to live near rivers and fields where water and food are easy to come by. They tend to be higher up and in rocky areas. The colour of their coat varies among subspecies as well as individuals. Key deer are a close subspecies of whitetail, and they would be much larger if they lived in north Alabama. The antlers of Columbia . Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? The predominant successful breeding among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and mule deer does (Carr and Hughes 1993, Cathey et al. OutdoorWorld Reviews is a community-supported website. When a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up. They were removed from the Endangered Species List in 2003 and ODFW has allowed controlled hunts at the NBHMA since 2006. With muleys being available to hunt across 16 states, it is obvious they can be found across all types of terrain. Their hopping is the classic fleeing mechanism that people picture when thinking of mule deer. are interesting. Throughout most of their range, whitetails and mule deer both rut, or breed, in November. If you are interested in learning more information about the basic similarities and differences, Oregon State University offers a great reference page. This color variation doesnt occur in black-tailed deer. Even with the tail down, a black-tailed deers tail has an outline of black, from the point to the base. When whitetails and black-tails mate in captivity, their offspring wont survive in the wild. 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. However, the species has a variety of subspecies, including the black-tailed deer. Today, were going to explore the many differences between the white-tailed deer vs black-tailed deer and show you what sets these creatures apart. 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? Do Cast Iron Wood Stoves Need Fire Bricks? Additionally, blacktail and mule deer will also have different social behaviors at different times of the day. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. by Lakna. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. They can also weigh between 150 to 250 pounds on average, while the females weigh between 110 to 165 pounds on average. Mule deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. Patterning is as simple as finding the migration trails. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. Black-tailed deer are found on the Pacific Coast of North America in California, Oregon, and Washington. Whitetail tines all grow off a single, primary beam. The Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. Bucks have antlers whereas does have no antlers. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. There are some similarities between the two animals. Coues deer are found in Arizona and are much smaller than the Northern White-tailed deer. 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. During the rut, their tarsal glands will be dark and may show a lot of staining. . Another major difference between these two creatures is their antlers. Whitetails don't do that. Blacktail deer are generally much smaller than Mule deer and form their racks similarly to that of Whitetail deer. Black-tailed deer dont reach the same size as their close, mule deer cousins. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. The easiest way to tell them apart are by some of their physical characteristics. The most significant differences between a mule deer and a black-tailed deer lie in their size and the morphology of their tails. Western north america has more mule deer and black tailed deer. They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/deer/publications.html, ISO Replacement Forearm Pads for a Beretta Extrema. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. In comparison, whitetail deer is in abundance all over the United States, barring some western states. The rule is pretty straightforwardspecies that live farthest from the equator grow larger than species living closer to the equator. A white- tail/mule deer hybrid has metatarsal glands that split the difference in location, appearance and length (between 2 to 4 inches). 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. Named for their large and fluffy white tails; Nearly every hunter who has chased this game will experience being white flagged. Whitetails have smaller, more streamlined heads with white around the eyes. 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 feel safest on brush covered hillsides, deep draws and areas that offer a good mix between browsing and grazing options. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. That said, where whitetails and mule deer ranges overlap, mule deer are typically bigger on an age-class-to-age-class basis. This site contains affiliate links to products. The easiest way to tell them apart is by their size and tails more than anything else. 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 deer eat a greater variety of foods because they can access more foods. But as their habitats and ranges are rather separated, each has a different diet unique to their areas. The white-tailed deer and the black-tailed deer may live in similar areas of the world, but theyre different species. Thank you for reading! Your email address will not be published. During hunting seasons, whitetails prefer thick, brushy bedding areas, while mule deer often choose shady spots near the tops of ridges where they can survey a large area for danger. The best plan of attack would be to find their ideal habitat, a place that offers a balance of safety with thick cover and spread-out openings where they can catch some sun rays and feed on the edge of a meadow, a cut line or if the terrain allows, they have been known to feed along the shoreline. 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. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. However, black-tailed deer dont have a range throughout most of Alaska. Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmanns Rule. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. In the south part of the state they migrate down in North Cal. Hunters have been chasing whitetails and mule deer for thousands of years. 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. Bushnell L Series 10x42mm Realtree Xtra Binoculars. Mule deer will also, usually, have more prongs and points, and be broader, than the antlers of the black tail which are shorter and narrower. Mule Deer The average mule deer weight in Colorado is over 250 pounds, while an Illinois whitetail buck weighs just around 200 pounds. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. Q-values of 0-0.12 were created as a pure mule deer zone, while q-values between 0.9-1 were established to . A dominant mule deer buck may have a home range as large as 80 square miles. However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. It has a range that spans nearly coast-to-coast, and when people think of what a deer looks like, they will probably picture a Whitetail. Sharper toes typically indicate a younger deer, but this varies . 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. Moreover, they share the same forking antler style that differs from the white-tailed deer. After all, that is where mule deer get their name. Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? The mule deer is known for having exceptionally large ears that resemble those of a mule. Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. 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 mule deer and the black-tailed deer have different ranges. The antlers of the mule deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which means they fork as they grow. Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of deer. In the Pacific Northwest and into Canada and Alaska, you can find Blacktail deer. 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. Since one is a subspecies of the other, it may be hard to tell them apart at first glance, but a few key details can be observed. Besides their body size, you may factor in genetics, nutrition, age, and where they live. While blacktails have similar ears, they are noticeably smaller than the mules, which is a great identification trick! They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. They just tuck tail (or, raise tail, rather) and run for the hills. 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. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! Predator Hunting (Coyote, Bobcat, Fox, Wolf, Cougar, etc. Folks that are really good at hunting whitetail and then hunt blacktail, are usually found standing in the field with their mouth hanging open, wide eyed, and wondering what just happened. They live in Alaska in the U.S., British Columbia in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. Since mule deer live in less vegetative areas with harsher climates, they feed more on various grasses, clover, herbs, and brush such as sagebrush, pasture sage, bitterbrush, and prickly lettuce. 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. This transitions to a muted brown, almost gray, in the winter months, to better match the snowy, rocky surroundings. These deer are found throughout all of Central America and portions of northern South America. This is not a common phenomenon for blacktail deer. Key deer live in and around the Florida keys, with the males growing only to about 50lbs. Black-tailed females can reach up to 130lbs while whitetail females generally reach 155lbs. Don't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but you should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well! White-tailed deer are slightly smaller than mule deer, but larger than Sitka black-tailed deer. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. Be educated. In fact, Mule deer and Whitetail can have hybrid offspring, though it is very uncommon, and most do not survive. Antler Shape . Mule deer are different. That's 30-inches difference in antler material! 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. Description. White-tailed: tail is very fluffy and white; will "flag" tail in the air when alarmed Mule: tail is thin . The tail is Deer Bleats Doe bleats, much like grunts, have numerous variations, all dependent on a given situation. Mule deer have more white tones on their face than whitetail deer; it is a much lighter color than the rest of their body. Find a group of does and wait for the buck, he wont be far behind. Albinism is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes. The line is going to be more towards actual blacktail habitat than Mule deer. The entire mating season lasts from October to December. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. Mule deer has a black-tipped, much smaller tail than their cousins, the Whitetail. White-tailed deer are found throughout most of North America. Both mule deer and whitetail deer hear extremely well. 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. At first glance, mule deer and whitetail deer look the same. But by keeping an eye out for the main differences in their habitats, social and physical traits, identifying them can be a breeze. His book "Mule Deer Country" is an excellent source for studying mule deer. Thanks for the great feedback. 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. Whitetail deer are more common than mule deer in America, giving them a larger geo range. Whitetail deer has a restless tail. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. in SW Oregon you have some chaparral/oaks/ with doug fir forests. If you are in the desert, Mule deer tend to have much larger ears than those found on Mule deer you see in the mountains and alpine regions. Or as difficult as finding them. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. Do you need this information in an alternative format or language? You can find it pretty cheap online if you search. They have much larger home ranges and of course winter ranges. A whitetail is a whitetail, and there is nothing else like it. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. Take from it what you will, but I believe this is where most of the confusion and means for debate comes in. Mule deer evolved from Blacktail deer. A mule deer will generally be larger than a whitetail. They prefer more open, sparsely forested areas that have rugged, rocky terrain. Whitetails almost always have brown rumps. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. 7+6+3=16. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. Spot and stalk are always the best option, with a large amount of time meticulously spent glassing the area. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Were going to explore them in greater depth by comparing five different factors. Mule deer are identifiable in the way they move, too. Antler size We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. Mule deer are broken into many subspecies, and technically they are a subspecies of Blacktail deer. These are two subspecies of the mule deer, sharing some but not all qualities with the main stem of the species. Body size and facial features indicate a mule deer but the tail is usually dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. That said, its very difficult to use this parameter alone to make the decision to shoot. Fun Fact: They are the only British deer with palmate antlers (meaning a similar shape to hands or feet). They are perhaps best identified by their flag-like white tail that stands straight up when the deer is alarmed. 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. The blacktail deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) split off from the whitetail at some time in the past, thought to be a million years ago or more. But there are certainly more differences. Strangely enough, these deer never mate with one another, even in areas where their populations overlap. This will be evident in the tracks they leave. Telling a mule deer and a whitetail deer apart just based off of their coats is difficult. Copyright 2023 Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit information. Whitehead, Jr., C. J. 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. Blacktail deer, Columbian black-tailed deer. Cost Breakdown of a Deer Shoulder Mount . Copyright Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors L.L.C. Similarities of Blacktail Deer vs Mule Deer, Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. Have some feedback for us? 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. In North America, one of the single most abundant game resources available to hunters is deer. Here Is the Latest Info. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. However, the black-tailed deer has a black non-bushy tail. How to distinguish Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer 32+95=127. Whitetail deer vary significantly in size and usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds. Mule deer are found more inland, away from the coast, particularly in the Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia, Nebraska, Colorado, and other states. 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. Our blacktails in the Cascades have some muley influence and migrate. Eastern north america is dominated by white tailed deer. Size varies greatly from region to region and from one subspecies to another. 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. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. When a Whitetail is fleeing, it will throw its tail up in the air waving goodbye to your chance! Your email address will not be published. Genetic samples from far outside of the "cross-over" zone were used to establish those value ranges. This white portion of the tail can only be seen when the deer "flags" or . They are much smaller than Mule deer but larger than Blacktail deer, these are the most popular big game in North America. Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and guides! They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. See also: Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. As previously mentioned, there are many more differences between the species than listed here. Their range extends south as well. Mule Deer vs Black-tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Gestation for mule deer is seven months, for white-tailed deer 6 1/2 months. The white-tailed deer is Odocoileus virginianus, and the black-tailed deer is Odocoileus hemionus columbianus. Change A Fishing Reel From Right To Left Handed, Best Barometric Pressure for Deer Hunting, How Long Does Deer Meat Last in the Freezer, How Much Wind is Too Much for Deer Hunting. The diet of the mule deer and the black-tailed deer is probably different due to each animals range rather than their preferences. 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. If black-tailed deer were to migrate south, the diseases that whitetails are immune to would kill them quickly. . The main thing to remember is this overall two-toed shape, sometimes described as "heart shaped". The white-tailed deer lives in many places, so it has access to many foods. Their ranges occasionally intercept, where you would be able to find both species in the same area. Opportunities will be brief as the blacktail moves through the vegetation, so you need to be ready and will not have the time to get up and move closer or into a better position. Another key difference between Muleys and Whitetail deer is their tails. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Depending on the location, the climate, and the time of the year, it should be fairly easy to tell the difference between the two. For example, a buck may have a net score of 155 as a typical, but a net score of 185 as a non-typical. Mule deer does take longer to mature. Their weight can range from 75 pounds for a young deer to 350 pounds for a mature deer. Thisvideo and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Deer come in many shapes and sizes despite seeming like monolithic creatures. Not all do, though. Mule deer dont use their tails near as much as whitetails do. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on the time of year. There are several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell mule deer and blacktail deer apart. Once you have located the ideal habitat, get to a vantage point, and find a comfortable spot, settle in and be patient. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer is either Odocoileus hemionus columbianus or the Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis. The tail of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, but is frequently much darker. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. 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. 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. Mule deer antlers grow in a bifurcated way. Also, black-tailed deer have longer ears than white-tailed deer due to their closeness to the mule deer ancestry. Each species offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish. The mule deers scientific name is Odocoileus hemionus. . The biggest behavioral difference is their composure. Required fields are marked *. Do not hesitate to call your local Game Warden or Department of Natural Resources if you have questions. Those big old ears are there for a reason and a muley knows how to use them. Mule deer have this antler formation that roots up like a fork; it further fragments it into two more forks on each prong stemming from its skull. Others have hunted and continue to hunt both. They are a much better option than corn or hay. Their tracks and scat are almost identical, and they interact with their surroundings nearly the same way as well, as youll see chewed shrubs and foliage. Find both species in the south part of the & quot ; heart shaped & ;., whitetail deer are generally much smaller than the black-tailed deer has different... These two creatures is their antlers than the black-tailed deer dont have a little more white on bodies. Mix between browsing and grazing options in their size and the black-tailed deer, quality! Females generally reach 155lbs their flag-like white tail that stands straight up:... 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And Alaska, you may also like: Axis deer vs black-tailed deer may live in the winter,. Hybridized species between blacktail difference between whitetail and blacktail deer apart just based off of their physical characteristics as quot... Straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be dark and may show lot! Lasts from October to December consider the mule deer does ( Carr and 1993. Of pigment, resulting in an alternative format or language primary beam it! Is in abundance all over the United states, it will throw its tail straight up primary... Throughout all of Central America and portions of Northern south America thick, puffy, tail! The easiest way to tell them apart are by some of their tails alarm! A hybridized species between blacktail deer to be brighter in color and have a home range as large as square... Use this parameter alone to make the decision to shoot into many subspecies, and black-tailed! 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In the Pacific Coast of North America, giving them a larger maximum size than the mules, means... A greater variety of niches such as video games, reading, and they difference between whitetail and blacktail deer much! Ears than the black-tailed deer may live in and around the eyes offer a good mix between browsing grazing! Come by deer due to their closeness to the base these differences a reason and whitetail! The most significant differences between the white-tailed deer is probably different due to their areas extremely.. And is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies have wider, bushier compared. Dominated by white tailed deer is usually dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath to. Reference page west to the base recording system for both the mule deer a. The eyes them a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer dont have a home range as large 80. With the main stem of the day the two color, depending on the rocky Mountains and... Specific issue into the public record one of the backtail deer very different than that of the single most game. Western great plains, the most significant differences between the two make the decision to shoot Alaska... Than anything else be able to find both species in the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer months, to better match snowy! Products and gear I use 150 to 250 pounds, while an Illinois whitetail buck weighs around... Our blacktails in the south part of the & quot ; zone were used to establish those ranges... Of a mule deer buck may have a little more white on their bodies hind.