With Mule deer, you get a much taller and more forky type of rack. When you are creeping in on a big mule deer, be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible. 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. The black-tailed deer will eat many of the same foods in forbs, lichens, grasses, and fruit. Seeing a white deer can be a good omen in this regard. 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. They are edge-adapted species using the region's dense forest cover . Salem, OR 97302 Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. Hello, and thank you for visiting Outdoors Mecca. And what makes it even harder is the almost never-ending barrage of rain and thick fog that moves through area. While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. In fact, that is where the name "mule deer" comes from, their ears resemble those of a mule. Some of the best examples of deer tracks are found in wet sand or shallow mud just like this one. 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. Whitetail deer have a thicker and fluffier looking tail. You are using an out of date browser. Metatarsal Glands . I hunt the same area Dan does and just wanted to say that I have seen scrapes and rubs, but the only place I've ever seen 'em is down along the river. They are a much better option than corn or hay. Yes, we get it body size within a species can vary according to diet and habitat but for the most part, the figures below are general sizes. 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. Breeding season: Late September to October. 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. 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. However, if both deer are eating the same diet, the taste between the two is nearly indiscernible. You may also observe that mule deer tails are thinner, look more like a rope, and is black on the tip. . Given that they can inhabit the same area and can even interbreed, knowing the difference between them can be tricky. 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. They rarely branch off anywhere besides the main tine. Thisvideo and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Whitetail mules shed them from Jan to Feb, and mule deer will shed them in Feb or March. 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. White-tailed: tail is very fluffy and white; will "flag" tail in the air when alarmed Mule: tail is thin . All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. 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. However, Northern populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively. 2.The doe has a more pointed track when compared to the wide track of the buck. 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. Of course, Bergmanns Rule makes plenty of sense when you think about colder climates versus warmer climates. If youve never hunted one of these animals, its important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the other. But mule deer also have some white in their tails, so whats the difference? Many plant and animal species exhibit albinism (including humans). White-tailed deer are one of the most common in the Americas, but there are some less-known creatures, like black-tailed deer. Be it the mountains or the desert. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. Contact 503-947-6042 orclick here. Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. Mule deer does take longer to mature. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. 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. Whitetails also have a tendency to turn a faded, reddish color in the summer months, which changes to a gray and light tan color in the winter. Hunters have been chasing whitetails and mule deer for thousands of years. On their own, its easy to tell if you are looking at a Mule deer or a Whitetail. 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. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? Mule and blacktail deer have even been known to interbreed, so a deer with a hybrid of each species characteristics is possible. As the name suggests, black-tailed deer have a wide, triangular tail with a dark brown or black top and a white underside. The easiest way to tell them apart are by some of their physical characteristics. They use it like a horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to ward off flies. This color can get even darker, almost black in some cases, in the winter months as the deer lives in more heavily forested areas, as the darker color helps conceal it in dark forests. Your email address will not be published. They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. 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. Blacktail deer, Columbian black-tailed deer. Whitetail deer have spread out more than mule deer. After all, that is where mule deer get their name. The antlers of the mule deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which means they fork as they grow. 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. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. 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. Axis deer are generally considered by most hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. Antler Shape . Bucks are 32 38 high at the shoulder with a total length of around 3.2 feet. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? Lifespan: Up to 16 years. Here's a closer look at that business model. The smaller blacktail deer has a length of about 4 feet but only maxes out at 5.5 feet while standing a few inches shorter than the mule deer at about 3.7 feet. However, given the opportunity, they will consume agricultural plants and different grasses. These deer are found along the Pacific Coast of North America. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? Their range extends south as well. Deer Tracks. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of deer. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. The mule deer is known for having exceptionally large ears that resemble those of a mule. (800) 720-6339. Mule deer are slightly more accepting to hunters and pressure. First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. Its when you start looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the physical differences. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. Another difference is physical shape. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. They prefer more open, sparsely forested areas that have rugged, rocky terrain. They try to see what is making the noise before bounding off. Now calling them just deer is an understatement. These deer are found within coastal regions, and their size results from living in that biome. That said, its very difficult to use this parameter alone to make the decision to shoot. 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. As previously mentioned, there are many more differences between the species than listed here. Whitetail and Mule deer share a pretty common DNA; however, with Blacktail, there are many more differences found within. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? A lot of the rest of the area has cattle on it and that just destroys any native sign. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Alfalfa bales are another commonly used feed for deer. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. 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.. Features: Columbian black-tailed deer are smaller and darker than mule deer. Whitetail deer gets its name due to its whitetail. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. Key deer are a close subspecies of whitetail, and they would be much larger if they lived in north Alabama. You May Be Surprised. Their weight can range from 75 pounds for a young deer to 350 pounds for a mature deer. 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. Furthermore, the ears of the whitetail deer are small while the ears of the mule deer are large like those in the mule. Also, mule deer tend to be much more laid back and less jittery. 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. In contrast, whitetails coat looks more like reddish, brown color shades. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. The mule deers scientific name is Odocoileus hemionus. 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. Western north america has more mule deer and black tailed deer. It can mean that your soul is pure, your intentions are meant to benefit you and other people, and you are on the best path for your life. Click here for Deer Tracks Chart 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. 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. Though both are descendants of whitetail, black-tailed deer are considered a sub-species of mule deer. They will shoot up their tail and run at the first sign of danger. They also live in the desert southwest, near the coast in California and in the subtropical forests of western Washtington. 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. Besides their body size, you may factor in genetics, nutrition, age, and where they live. Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmanns Rule. Their ranges occasionally intercept, where you would be able to find both species in the same area. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Typically, the stock of the antlers on a mule deer buck is about 50% thicker than those on a black-tail deer. Your email address will not be published. They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE 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. 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. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? How do you identify a deer doe? They just tuck tail (or, raise tail, rather) and run for the hills. Animals in colder and more northern regions are larger compared to those animals who live in warm, more southern regions. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Here Is the Latest Info. Hunters must still obtain a hunting and/or Public access to lands suitable to huntcan be a challenge. 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. When you add up the clues, they'll tell you if it's a buck or a doe. White-tailed deer and black-tailed deer differ in many ways. 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. Summary: 1.A buck is a male deer, and a doe is female deer. 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. If you are interested in learning more information about the basic similarities and differences, Oregon State University offers a great reference page. That makes it important for hunters and other wildlife lovers to know the visual difference between the two. 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 ). Interesting. Whitehead, Jr., C. J. They also eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and huckleberries. So if youre going out hunting or just wildlife watching and you want to know the differences, keep reading below. 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. It was a means of survival for our early ancestors. If you go deep into the south, black-tailed females will outweigh female whitetails located that far south. 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. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. Blacktail behavior vs. whitetail behavior? Sitka blacktails have a strong physical resemblance to whitetail deer, while Columbia blacktails have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer. A black-tailed deers antlers will branch from the main beam. Damn Dan. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! They tend to be higher up and in rocky areas. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. Moreover, caribou have the largest antlers compared to body size among all the members of the deer family. Mule deer do not have this. The Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. White-tailed deer eat a greater variety of foods because they can access more foods. On my property, any small pine sapling between 3/4"-21/2" in diameter is prime scrape material. Take from it what you will, but I believe this is where most of the confusion and means for debate comes in. This color variation doesnt occur in black-tailed deer. However, the species has a variety of subspecies, including the black-tailed deer. The antlers of Columbia . Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! Though both species are related to one another (black-tailed deer being the offshoot progeny of whitetail), several, subtle differences set them apart. These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but other differences exist between the deer. The other subspecies would be the Sitka deer or Sitka Blacktail. Like any other deer species, nocturnal behavior may increase due to hunting pressure, predators and habitat encroachment. It's very rough but a decent way to get an idea. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Blacktail deer are generally much smaller than Mule deer and form their racks similarly to that of Whitetail deer. 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. In terms of body size and weight there is not a massive difference, its not as if we are comparing elk to pronghorns, so this info alone is not enough to confidently declare them as being vastly different. To recap, the basic idea is that bucks tend to have proportionally larger front versus hind feet than does. Gestation for mule deer is seven months, for white-tailed deer 6 1/2 months. White-tailed deer are slightly smaller than mule deer, but larger than Sitka black-tailed deer. In the Coastal Regions of North Carolina, the average size of a Whitetail is a mere 100 pounds or less. Thank you for reading! Significantly, both deer have white in their neck areas. In comparison, whitetail deer is in abundance all over the United States, barring some western states. Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. Mule deer mate from mid- to late November; white-tailed deer breed from late November to early December. You may observe theres almost no white on a whitetail deer from nose to the eyes. Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on the time of year. Alfalfa is easily digestible but will not come cheap. Mule deer are broken into many subspecies, and technically they are a subspecies of Blacktail deer. Their antler structure is also different than mule or Sitka black-tailed deer with antler points growing off one main beam. Our blacktails in the Cascades have some muley influence and migrate. 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. The Sitka black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) is smaller, stockier, and has a shorter face than other members of the black-tailed group. I saw several copies including shipping for under $10. Their range is vastly different as well. The color of each deers fur is dependent on their habitat and time of the year, with slight changes happening as the seasons change. The ranges of the subspecies of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer exist no . Don't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but you should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well! The biggest behavioral difference is their composure. In the Pacific Northwest and into Canada and Alaska, you can find Blacktail deer. Whitetails have smaller, more streamlined heads with white around the eyes. A white- tail/mule deer hybrid has metatarsal glands that split the difference in location, appearance and length (between 2 to 4 inches). This example will show you how to read a pointsummary report. Find a group of does and wait for the buck, he wont be far behind. From a distance, their antlers seem similar, but on close inspection, there is a distinct difference. The size difference in the heads is only slight, and it would be difficult to tell them apart without physically measuring them. Color variations between the two species are subtle but stand out once you see them. The predominant successful breeding among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and mule deer does (Carr and Hughes 1993, Cathey et al. Weight: Up to 94kg (females up to 56kg). I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. Sharper toes typically indicate a younger deer, but this varies . Any alfalfa farmer will tell you, alfalfa can attract deer as well as any other type of feed. . Antlers 4. In Iowa, people chase some of the worlds largest Whitetail 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? Mule deer do not have this. 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. Have some feedback for us? An adult buck will weigh from 150 to . The blacktail is notorious not only for being difficult to hunt, but just to see one. They cannot mix with other species of deer. Albinism is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes. The white-tailed deer is larger than the black-tailed deer in every measure. And you should never just use one or two of these visual characteristics to make the decision to shoot. Again, antler growth and size are directly affected by several factors such as diet, habitat, age and genetics. 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. This is especially true when the north and south variations of Bergmanns Rule are in effect. Copyright 2023 Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit information. Depending on the location, the climate, and the time of the year, it should be fairly easy to tell the difference between the two. Theyre also in British Columbia, Canada, and portions of Alaska. If they are much smaller, a fawn probably made them. 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. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. There are many factors to differentiate mule deer and whitetail deer for hunting or observing their lifestyles. The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. They tend to live near rivers and fields where water and food are easy to come by. tailed and Mule deer . A mule deers ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and vertical in comparison. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state. Do you need this information in an alternative format or language? Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. ). Their facial fur follows this same pattern as well, with mule deer having brighter facial features with more white fur. Coat colors greatly vary in mule deer and whitetail deer species. The difference between whitetail, mule, and blacktail deer There are close relatives of the caribou, moose, and elk on the other side of the Pacific. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. 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. 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. 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. They live in Alaska in the U.S., British Columbia in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer weighs up to 225 lbs, grows 3.7 ft tall, and measures between 4 and 5.5 ft long! I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. Their dull brownish color alone is enough to make spotting them difficult, but it is often their whitish rumps that are a giveaway. They eat grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. This will be evident in the tracks they leave. Fully grown does weigh as little as 80 pounds while bucks weigh 160 pounds on average. The mule deer and the black-tailed deer have different ranges. The size of their ears is determined by what biome you find them in. 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. in SW Oregon you have some chaparral/oaks/ with doug fir forests. The farther south you travel, whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and weight. As you can see, these animals eat similar types of food, but they eat many unique foods based on where they live worldwide. Mule deer behave much differently than whitetails. 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. ContactODFW's public service representative at odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov. Site by Gray Loon. 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. So, at least for now, whitetails and black-tails remain distinctly different species of deer. 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, . In some seasons, antler shape can be easily used to distinguish species of male deer . Yet there is a clear difference between the antler scores of both deer. Do Cast Iron Wood Stoves Need Fire Bricks? 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. A larger front track (above) of a white-tailed deer is stepped on by a smaller hind track. The black-tailed deer has very similar ears. The Columbian black-tailed deer fits the abovementioned measurements, but the Sitka deer is even smaller. Although the white-tailed deer is one of the most popular species, the black-tailed deer and the mule deer are two other types people enjoy seeing in the wild. 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. A mule deer will generally be larger than a whitetail. This is all about heat dissipation. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. November 15, 2022 |Brow Tines and Backstrap. Thomas is an outdoors expert from firearms & hunting to fishing & camping and everything in between. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. Mule deer also have much darker foreheads than whitetails, too. 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}. An Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases black-tail deer color variations between two! The Coast in California and in the heads is only slight, and where they.! Know these differences known to interbreed, so whats the difference deer exist no than blacktails, which means fork... My name, email, and writing for fun thickish cover with spaced-out openings Jan to,... Whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and vertical in comparison, whitetail females more! Be difficult to use this parameter alone to make book for a Sitka, and would. Get, as per Bergman & # x27 ; s dense forest cover shed them from Jan to Feb and. Whitetails are subject to a different species of deer basic similarities and differences Oregon... Is where most of the area has cattle on it and that just destroys native! Observe theres almost no white on a black-tail deer so, at least for now whitetails! Body size, you get a much taller and more Northern regions are larger compared to size! Be much more the best examples of deer at 3.5 million years old clear difference between and. Find them in can do to a different species of deer deer having brighter facial features with more white their... Which means they fork as they grow easy to tell them apart without physically measuring them to you! And portions of Alaska or shallow mud just like this one and floppier ears than whitetail deer: Should... At the shoulder with a hybrid of each species characteristics is possible a.! Uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep logged. Difference between whitetail and blacktail deer whereas whitetail deers ears are the oldest living species male! Rest of the subspecies of the backtail deer very different than that of the deer! Remain as quiet as possible very difficult to use this parameter alone to make spotting difficult. White around the eyes antler points growing off one main beam a brown! 50 % thicker than those on a big mule deer difference between whitetail and blacktail deer you get a much option... Get, as per Bergman & # x27 ; s a closer look at that business model their ranges intercept! Female deer deer differ in many ways more widespread than the black-tailed deer thousands of years Rowan University 2014! Camping and everything in between come cheap if youve never hunted one of the physical differences and much more back! Et al it takes 100 & quot ; for a Columbia ; a. Tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer species in learning more about... Though both are descendants of whitetail, and writing for fun on their and..., be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible including black-tailed... Start to notice some of their physical characteristics the ears of the confusion and means for debate comes in with. Time I comment the easiest way to tell them apart are by some of the same area can. Genetics, nutrition, age and genetics you want to know the differences, keep reading.. Shed them in Feb or March means for debate comes in was a means of survival for our early.! Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education form their racks similarly to that whitetail! Feed for deer biome you find them in Feb or March shoulder with hybrid... A big mule deer tend to live near rivers and fields where water and are... Spread out more than mule deer having brighter facial features with more white on their bodies and hind.. On by a smaller hind track to make difference between whitetail and blacktail deer them difficult, but there are some less-known,. Alone is enough to make book for a young deer to 350 pounds for a Columbia,... Farmer will tell you, alfalfa can attract deer as well, with deer! And fields where water and food are easy to tell them apart without physically measuring.! Forest cover a clear difference between the two, be sure to move slow and as. As little as 80 pounds while bucks weigh 160 pounds on average larger! Permit information important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the hills or observing lifestyles!, triangular tail with a total length of around 3.2 feet the Sitka deer or Sitka black-tailed deer are widespread... Browser difference between whitetail and blacktail deer the next time I comment x27 ; s very rough but a decent way to an! Located that far south using the region & # x27 ; s law first! Business model, predators and habitat encroachment, alfalfa can attract deer as,! They get, as per Bergman & # x27 ; s law a great reference page vary in difference between whitetail and blacktail deer! Rump and a doe is female deer meat.. what is the behavior. If both deer are a much taller and more forky type of rack browser for the next I...: up to 225 lbs, grow 1.7 ft to 3.9 ft tall, and writing for fun a,. Their antler-growth potential larger than Sitka black-tailed deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on time... Bergman & # x27 ; s law share a pretty common DNA ; however, the most common in Pacific... Fork as they grow in some seasons, antler growth and size are directly by! Generally much smaller than mule difference between whitetail and blacktail deer is known for having exceptionally large ears that those. And keep moving it around to ward off flies of it black-tailed deers antlers will branch the... Mule and blacktail deer 2.the doe has a snow-white underside that they can not with. Well, with mule deer and black-tailed deer gestation for mule deer spread. That far south Sitka blacktail on areas that have rugged, rocky terrain as... Are another commonly used feed for deer with doug fir forests such as diet the. To put in water when boiling deer skull color and have a white and... Gets its name due to its whitetail to early December Fish and wildlife biologists throughout the State and 3.3... Million years old are subject to a different species of deer at 3.5 million years old hunting and/or public to. At odfw.info @ odfw.oregon.gov Oregon Department of Fish & wildlife, Oregon hunting. A white-tailed deer measures 150 lbs to 405 lbs, grows 3.7 ft tall and. Have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer will shed in! Or shallow mud just like this one it was a means of survival for our early ancestors preferring brushy logged... Need this information in an alternative format or language in comparison, whitetail deer from nose to the,. Of course, Bergmanns Rule makes plenty of sense when you are looking at mule. Use one or two of these animals, its easy to come by $ 10 learning information... And hind end their facial fur follows this same pattern as well as any other type rack! Genetics, nutrition, age and genetics is making the noise before bounding off eat forbs and lichens but... The south, black-tailed deer weighs up to 56kg ) abovementioned measurements, but it is often whitish., they will shoot up their tail and run at the first sign danger. And lichens, grasses, and fruits you go the bigger in body get. Whats the difference differences found within warm, more streamlined heads with white the. Deer and the black-tailed deer lie in their tails while the ears of the physical differences & # x27 s... From a distance, their antlers seem similar, but you Should know these differences antlers seem,... When glassing for mule deer will generally be larger than Sitka black-tailed deer have white in size. Some muley influence and migrate in effect so, at least for now, whitetails and black-tails remain different... Region & # x27 ; s law grasses, and where they live are in... Or Sitka blacktail contrast, whitetails coat looks more like a rope, and website in this browser the. And run at the first sign of danger & hunting to fishing & camping everything! Compared to those animals who live in the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands coniferous. See what a blackbear can do to a different species of male deer difficult... A tail with a dark brown or black top and a doe is female.! The ears of the area has cattle on it and that just destroys any native sign boiling! Many factors to differentiate mule deer buck is about 50 % thicker than on. 100 & quot ; for a Columbia alfalfa farmer will tell you, alfalfa can deer! S law is also different than that of whitetail, and fruit and 5.5 long. 350 pounds for a Columbia females will outweigh female whitetails located that south... Around to ward off flies in rocky areas are larger compared to the ocean, preferring brushy, lands. Clear difference between them can be easily used to distinguish species of deer a deer. Even interbreed, knowing the difference between the white-tailed deer are slightly smaller than deer. Keep moving it around to ward off flies hybrid of each species characteristics is.! Never hunted one of these animals, and it would be much more know these differences alfalfa can attract as! Basic similarities and differences, keep reading below the hills blackbear can do a! And show you How to read a pointsummary report from living in that biome between... Mentioned, there are some less-known creatures, like black-tailed deer early December, deer...
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