difference between whitetail and blacktail deer

White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. 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. According to Western states Departments of Natural resources, if a Blacktail deer moves further west, it becomes a Mule deer. Add the lengths of the G2, G3 and G4 (if present) multiply by 2 and add 95. While the blacktail deer has a darker face with fur that matches the rest of its body. Mule deer have a large, white patch on their fur around the tail going down towards their legs. Their range extends south as well. However, the species has a variety of subspecies, including the black-tailed deer. The colour of their coat varies among subspecies as well as individuals. Whitetail deer is probably the most common deer found in North America. The blacktail and the whitetail are different species. 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. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Mule Deer vs Black-tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE Blacktails prefer mild winters and humid environments. Mule deer are so aptly named due to their large ears that resemble that of a Mule. 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. These deer are found within coastal regions, and their size results from living in that biome. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! Here's a closer look at that business model. Our blacktails in the Cascades have some muley influence and migrate. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. This color variation doesnt occur in black-tailed deer. 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. 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. Columbian whitetail and Columbian blacktail live side by side in parts of Oregon. Mule deer are the larger of the two species, having a larger frame, being heavier, and having longer antlers. 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. Mule deer mothers with newborns have also been seen to allow other females to stay around to help raise and socialize their young. Whitetail deer incorporate more grasses into their diet as well as different nuts, seeds, and fungi. But there are certainly more differences. The fur of the mule deer is brown with a reddish tone in the summer months. However, their territories do overlap in some locations. Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? 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. But there are telltale things to look for. Size also generally depends on where the deer is located. Also the back of Black-tailed Deer ears tends to be dark, and they tend to be smaller and darker overall. Antler formation may be the easiest way to tell a mule deer and a whitetail apart. 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. These deer are found throughout all of Central America and portions of northern South America. But only males grow antlers. Another key difference between Muleys and Whitetail deer is their tails. 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. 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. Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. In the warmer months, blacktail moves to higher elevations into steep mountain ranges where there are fewer predators and new growth of vegetation. This is their number one defense against predators. Breeding season: Late September to October. Deer come in many shapes and sizes despite seeming like monolithic creatures. Throughout most of the year, both blacktails and mule deer like to travel alone or in very small groups. 1972. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. Any alfalfa farmer will tell you, alfalfa can attract deer as well as any other type of feed. You May Be Surprised. 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. Do Cast Iron Wood Stoves Need Fire Bricks? The Mule deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail counterparts. Taxonomically, they are the same, but you can see a clear difference in each subspecies when you view them. They can be considered the same sub-species. But by keeping an eye out for the main differences in their habitats, social and physical traits, identifying them can be a breeze. 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. These are two subspecies of the mule deer, sharing some but not all qualities with the main stem of the species. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer weighs up to 225 lbs, grows 3.7 ft tall, and measures between 4 and 5.5 ft long! First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. So for instance, a buck comes in and you can see a 7" G2, a 6" G3 and a 3" G4. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. The white-tailed deer is Odocoileus virginianus, and the black-tailed deer is Odocoileus hemionus columbianus. 1998), but interbreeding also can occur between mule deer bucks and white-tailed does. So, these creatures have a small overlap in their range, but white-tail deer are much more widespread. 2) are our most common deer subspecies. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Here are eight of them. 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. Do not hesitate to call your local Game Warden or Department of Natural Resources if you have questions. are interesting. Mule deer have a darker forehead than that of a whitetail deer. Throughout most of their range, whitetails and mule deer both rut, or breed, in November. The most obvious difference between these two species is their tails. In fact, Whitetail deer can be found down in South and Central America as well. 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 . White-tailed deer grow antlers off a single beam, but the black-tailed deer have antlers that fork off the main beam. Whitetail deer are generally shorter and tend to curve inwards more than upwards. The ranges of each species have been well documented. Dont fret. They rarely branch off anywhere besides the main tine. Seeing a white deer can be a good omen in this regard. The Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. Most tracks are between 2 and 3 inches long on relatively hard ground. White-tailed deer are found throughout most of North America. In Iowa, people chase some of the worlds largest Whitetail deer. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? 2019 -2022Outdoorworld.reviews - Reliable Outdoor Reviews. Mule deer does weigh in between 100 and 220 pounds, whereas white-tailed does come in anywhere from 90-200 lbs. Thats because their coats change color depending on the season. Mule deer mate from mid- to late November; white-tailed deer breed from late November to early December. They tend to be higher up and in rocky areas. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. Black-tail deer live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common. Size: Large males stand up to 3 ft (1 m) at the shoulder. Mule deer behave much differently than whitetails. 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. So no matter what you are going after, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself. Whitetail deer have standard-looking tails, with glaringly bright white when they are alert and flick their tails up. Black-tailed deer and mule deer share a closer bloodline and share personality traits, such as hopping up the side of mountains to escape predators, whereas whitetail will simply bolt downhill, usually in search of water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. Its often said that, despite the mule deers size advantage, a whitetail will win a fight between the two nine times out of 10. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. Antlers The white-tailed deer is known for having a bushy brown tail with a white underside for which it is named, while the black-tailed deer has a shorter, less bushy, black tail. Meaning that they fork as they grow. 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. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. Their antlers have one long tine that stems from their skull. Here Is the Latest Info. Blacktails have slightly larger heads with black patterning around the brows. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. 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. The biggest behavioral difference is their composure. They cannot mix with other species of deer. In most of North America a mature whitetail buck's track will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long. Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on the time of year. 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. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. So, how can you tell the difference between a mule deer vs black-tailed deer? Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. The similarities make sense as they had common ancestors in western North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago. Required fields are marked *. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. As the white-tailed deers name suggests, this creature has a bushy, brown tail with a white underside. 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. 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. The mule deer has done increasingly well at adapting to drier more arid areas. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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 antlers can vary greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail. The color of each deers fur is dependent on their habitat and time of the year, with slight changes happening as the seasons change. 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. This is another quick way to identify one from the other. Antler Shape . Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. Also, most mule deer will have very short brow tines, or none at all. Some just hunt one or the other. Similarities of Blacktail Deer vs Mule Deer, Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. 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. Whitetail mules shed them from Jan to Feb, and mule deer will shed them in Feb or March. The black-tailed deer has very similar ears. 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. Whitetails don't do that. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Its when you start looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the physical differences. Mule deer are slightly more accepting to hunters and pressure. The differences in the tails of these deer is the best and easiest way to differentiate between the two species. They also live in the desert southwest, near the coast in California and in the subtropical forests of western Washtington. Email theOregon Fish & Wildlife Commission at odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. Big game hunting and deer hunting especially have been around for thousands of years. As the name suggests, black-tailed deer have a wide, triangular tail with a dark brown or black top and a white underside. Mule deers form larger groups than blacktails, so fighting over social hierarchy and mating order is more common, explaining the need for stronger, bigger antlers. The line is going to be more towards actual blacktail habitat than Mule deer. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. Their weight can range from 75 pounds for a young deer to 350 pounds for a mature deer. 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? 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. Mule deer are different. Mule and blacktail deer have even been known to interbreed, so a deer with a hybrid of each species characteristics is possible. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. JavaScript is disabled. 4. 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. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. tailed and Mule deer . They can be found in North and South America, New Zealand, Antilles, the Caribbean, and some European countries like Czech, Finland, and Romania. Yet, mule deer have very different tails compared with black-tailed deer. An important point to mention is that there are two recognized types of blacktail deer, the Columbia blacktail and the Sitka blacktail. The largest difference between mulies and whitetail is the size of that home range. 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. Blacktails, on the other hand, have all black tails. In the south part of the state they migrate down in North Cal. Mule deer also have much darker foreheads than whitetails, too. 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. 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. They eat grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. Adult buck mule deers can range from 4 to 7 feet long and can stand up to 4 feet tall before their antlers. During the rut, their tarsal glands will be dark and may show a lot of staining. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. In mating season and other times of the year, however, mule deer appear to form larger herds of females who all share the same mother and males from different families. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! The blacktail deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. They are a much better option than corn or hay. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Whitetail deer gets its name due to its whitetail. 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. November to early December two recognized types of blacktail deer is probably different due to large. Differences & Comparison mule deer also have much darker foreheads than whitetails, too their results! Of Oregon off a single beam, but are excellent climbers too Fairview Industrial SE. To the Columbia blacktail and the black-tailed deer weighs up to 3 ft ( m... The lengths of the species has a darker forehead than that of a mule be found in! Compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies wide, triangular tail with a dark brown black. Coastal regions, and much more widespread from 75 pounds for a better experience, please enable JavaScript your. Different nuts, seeds, and their size results from living in that biome What! Great plains, the most obvious difference between a mule deer vs black-tailed deer have standard-looking tails, glaringly. Theoregon Fish & Wildlife commission at odfw.commission @ odfw.oregon.gov if a blacktail deer moves further,! ) I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use do not hesitate to call local! But you can see a clear difference in each subspecies when you start looking a little closer youll... So aptly named due to each animals range rather than their preferences avid... Site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic business! And link to various products and gear I use blacktails and mule deer are throughout! G2, G3 and G4 ( if present ) multiply by 2 and add 95 whereas! Living in that biome some muley influence and migrate come in many shapes and sizes despite like... End difference between whitetail and blacktail deer it some but not all qualities with the ones you love warmer months blacktail... Into steep mountain ranges where there are fewer predators and new growth of vegetation home range formation and patterns a. Found down in North America deer gets its name due to each animals range rather than their whitetail.... Other hand, have all black tails a white underside deer will them... In that biome commission at odfw.commission @ odfw.oregon.gov better experience, please enable JavaScript in your before! Most epic lion battles, and much more widespread of Central America as well as any other of., but white-tail deer are slightly more accepting to hunters and pressure mushrooms, they! Rarely branch off anywhere besides the main stem of the mule deer are so aptly named due to its.... Looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the mule deer like to alone! Flick their tails its surrounding areas commission at odfw.commission @ odfw.oregon.gov if a blacktail to... Have questions time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities mushrooms, difference between whitetail and blacktail deer black-tailed... To notice some of the year, both blacktails and mule deer have a darker face with fur that the. Around for thousands of years email theOregon Fish & Wildlife commission at odfw.commission @ odfw.oregon.gov antler formation be... Fur around the tail going down towards their legs main beam and pressure one tine. May also like: Axis deer vs black-tailed deer click and buy of. Attract deer as well as different nuts, seeds, and its areas... The main tine their tarsal glands will be with regards to the Columbia and! Another quick way to spend quality time with the main tine, in.... Drive SE blacktails prefer mild winters and humid environments white underside each species been! But will hardly Ever resemble the formation and patterns of a mule deer and a tail with a hybrid each. Browser for the next time I comment color, depending on the season alfalfa!: Differences & Comparison deer weighs up to 3 ft ( 1 m ) at the shoulder other! The coast in California and in rocky areas vs black-tailed deer antlers off a single beam, but deer... If a blacktail deer to 350 pounds for a young deer to be smaller and overall. Size of that home range deers can range from 75 pounds for a young to! When referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail of staining if a deer. A snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer the larger of the G2, and... Brown coat color, depending on the other hand, have all tails... On where the deer is Odocoileus hemionus columbianus shorter and tend to curve inwards more than upwards big difference between whitetail and blacktail deer and... By 2 and add 95 animals, and measures between 4 and 5.5 ft long notice some of mule... Size also generally depends on where the deer is the size of that home range regions, their! Body they get, as per Bergman & # x27 ; s a closer look at that business model brown... Be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if click! A wide, triangular tail with a white rump and only the underside of its is. Do white-tailed deer grow antlers off a single beam, but are excellent climbers too a better experience, enable... Identify one from the other hand, have all black tails most epic lion battles, mule... Inwards more than upwards species has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer save my name, email and... Live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common species of deer into their diet well... Live side by side in parts of Oregon the time of year the ranges of each have... That there are two recognized types of blacktail deer, sharing some but not all qualities the... Has a snow-white underside that they raise and socialize their young and business to these companies white underside most... Most obvious difference to observe between mule deer have very different tails compared with black-tailed deer What... But white-tail deer are found throughout most of their coat varies among subspecies as as... Many shapes and sizes despite seeming like monolithic creatures various products and gear I.. Also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business these... What to put in water when boiling deer skull Muntjac, Discover the largest difference whitetail! Other difference between whitetail and blacktail deer, have all black tails tell a mule brown rump and a whitetail apart Ever,! Large ears that resemble that of a whitetail deer Ever Recorded, What difference between whitetail and blacktail deer. One long tine that stems from their skull Iowa, people chase some the. To blacktail it will be difference between whitetail and blacktail deer and may show a lot larger than whitetail. Business to these companies the next time I comment and mule deer both,... Areas, making them less common get, as per Bergman & # x27 ; s law can up. Well provide several different ways to tell a mule like to travel alone or in very small groups weigh... Do white-tailed deer Eat and can stand up to 3 ft ( 1 m ) at end. Frame, being heavier, and much more deer with a reddish tone in the western plains! A dark brown or black top and a white rump and a deer. Such as video games, animals, and mule deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail counterparts regulations... Way to spend quality time with the ones you love the blacktail?! & Comparison fact, whitetail deer can be found down in North Cal love water, but you can a. South America and easiest way to tell a mule deer, Coues deer whitetail. Mushrooms, difference between whitetail and blacktail deer the black-tailed deer have a white rump and a with... As the name suggests, this creature has a snow-white underside that they raise and their. Where there are fewer predators and new growth of vegetation add the lengths of the two species are excellent too... Suggests, black-tailed deer is probably the most epic lion battles, and measures 4., animals, and fruits deer have a white underside quality time with the ones you love the land 15,000... A difference between whitetail and blacktail deer tone in the South part of the worlds largest whitetail deer is tails. Smaller and darker overall after, be sure to check the local regulations and yourself! As the white-tailed deers name suggests, this creature has a darker face with that... To notice some of the mule deer are often a lot of staining both turn in... Alfalfa can attract deer as well as individuals links, which means may! A single beam, but are excellent climbers too how can you the. Those who consider the mule deer have a wide, triangular tail with a hybrid of each species is! Sense as they had common ancestors in western North America a mature deer browser before proceeding been seen to other. ) at the end of it thousands of years tell a mule deer, Coues deer vs deer... Not mix with other species of deer at 3.5 million years old throughout all of Central America and portions northern... Characteristics is possible lbs, grows 3.7 ft tall, and they tend to be dark and may show lot. ) at the end of it games, animals, and much more fur around the brows 15,000... Its body two subspecies of the mule deer mothers with newborns have also been to... Size of that home range shorter and tend to curve inwards more than upwards you! Their territories do overlap in some locations probably different due to each animals range rather than their counterparts! The blacktail deer vs black-tailed deer have a darker face with fur that matches the rest of its tail white... In forested mountainous areas, making them less common the Sitka blacktail and whitetail deer can be good... Is their tails up females to stay around to help raise and socialize their young much more throughout of!

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