That's why we have theOregon Hunting Its also the same color as its coat with no black markings on it. How to distinguish Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer Yet, mule deer have very different tails compared with black-tailed deer. The most noteworthy differences boil down to their size, color, and region where they are found. In the spring when it starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish color coat. It's almost impossible to distinguish between the East Siberian moose and the Alaska moose. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. This is another quick way to identify one from the other. The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. Summary: 1.A buck is a male deer, and a doe is female deer. 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. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? Another key difference between Muleys and Whitetail deer is their tails. The farther south you travel, whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and weight. . The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. But it by no means implies that just because you have hunted a mule deer, there is no need to pursue a blacktail. These deer can be found in northern Mexico along with Baja California. March 1, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes, February 24, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes. deer, (family Cervidae), any of 43 species of hoofed ruminants in the order Artiodactyla, notable for having two large and two small hooves on each foot and also for having antlers in the males of most species and in the females of one species. The similarities make sense as they had common ancestors in western North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago. 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. 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. Mule deer are found more inland, away from the coast, particularly in the Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia, Nebraska, Colorado, and other states. The most apparent differences between these two deer lie in their tails. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but other differences exist between the deer. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. 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, . Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . 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. When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. Their antler pattern is very similar, but there is a big difference in the length of the metatarsal gland a gland that produces breeding season scents, located above the mid-point of the shank on their hind legs. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and guides! In most of North America a mature whitetail buck's track will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long. The white-tailed deer lives in many places, so it has access to many foods. Thats because their coats change color depending on the season. According to Western states Departments of Natural resources, if a Blacktail deer moves further west, it becomes a Mule deer. Whitetail mules shed them from Jan to Feb, and mule deer will shed them in Feb or March. Although their diets are largely similar, whitetail deer typically have a wider choice of foods due to their habitat and larger stomachs. The fur of the mule deer is brown with a reddish tone in the summer months. 4. The size of their ears is determined by what biome you find them in. This process usually involves removing the entrails, reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part of the esophagus. 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 mate from mid- to late November; white-tailed deer breed from late November to early December. While the specifics of each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. You are using an out of date browser. But only males grow antlers. The most obvious one is the fur on the rump of each deer. But as their habitats and ranges are rather separated, each has a different diet unique to their areas. White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? The mule deer is the largest of the Odocoileus genus, standing, on the average, 40 to 42 inches at the shoulders and stretching 80 inches or so nose to tail. 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. Their facial fur follows this same pattern as well, with mule deer having brighter facial features with more white fur. Those big old ears are there for a reason and a muley knows how to use them. Salem, OR 97302 The other subspecies would be the Sitka deer or Sitka Blacktail. In Montana, they have trophy Mule deer. Mule deer are slightly more accepting to hunters and pressure. For a very rough on the hoof estimate on an average sized deer. These are two subspecies of the mule deer, sharing some but not all qualities with the main stem of the species. Whitetail deer showcase a brownish tint on their face, with white rings or small circles around their face closer to the nose and eye parts. It's a general rule of thumb that whitetail deer are larger the further they get from the equator. There are some similarities between the two animals. See also: Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. Yet, the obvious difference between the two deer is that the blacktail has less white on the rump and a blacker, thicker tail than the mule deer. The pointed end is forward. Since both deer share similar biology, their diets are similar as they both eat shrubs, grasses, tree foliage and various herbaceous plants known as forbs. This is when its tail is the most prominent. 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. Mule deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. The entire mating season lasts from October to December. A white- tail/mule deer hybrid has metatarsal glands that split the difference in location, appearance and length (between 2 to 4 inches). The black-tailed mature bucks, specifically the Columbia blacktail deer, weigh in around 150 to 200lbs with the does coming in considerably lighter. Mule deer 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. 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. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. You May Be Surprised. In the Pacific Northwest and into Canada and Alaska, you can find Blacktail deer. 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. The rule is pretty straightforwardspecies that live farthest from the equator grow larger than species living closer to the equator. In fact, several species and subspecies of deer are found throughout the world today. 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. November 15, 2022 |Brow Tines and Backstrap. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. Whitetail and Mule deer share a pretty common DNA; however, with Blacktail, there are many more differences found within. However, Northern populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively. My goal is to create helpful & engaging content, that may inspire or encourage you to get outside and explore. We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. Antler Shape . Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. This color variation doesnt occur in black-tailed deer. 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. The habitat which the blacktail calls home, specifically the Columbia blacktail, is abound with impenetrable vegetation made up of ferns, moss, fallen timber and ever green bushes. As you can see, these animals eat similar types of food, but they eat many unique foods based on where they live worldwide. 4 min read. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. In most cases, the mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail. Big game hunting and deer hunting especially have been around for thousands of years. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Bushnell L Series 10x42mm Realtree Xtra Binoculars. I've measured P&Y Blacktails who have won the biennual bowhunting awards in California bigger than any Mule deer I've killed. Its often said that, despite the mule deers size advantage, a whitetail will win a fight between the two nine times out of 10. However, given the opportunity, they will consume agricultural plants and different grasses. White-tailed deer does, or females, can breed at 6 months of age. Black-tailed deer primarily range in Britain Columbia and Alaska. They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. So, these creatures have a small overlap in their range, but white-tail deer are much more widespread. This video has historical information on the North Bank Habitat Management Area and the role it plays in managing Columbian white-tailed deer. This will be at no cost to you. Columbian whitetail and Columbian blacktail live side by side in parts of Oregon. Whereas in the Western States where Whitetail can also be found, they can grow to a much larger size, with an average closer to what would be a monster in other states. When a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? Lifespan: Up to 16 years. Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on the time of year. The whitetail's metatarsals are below the mid-point of the lower leg, less than 1 inch long, and surrounded by white hairs. The mule deer was given its name because of its elongated, large ears that are reminiscent of a mules ears. A mule deer will generally be larger than a whitetail. How do you identify a deer doe? Deer Bleats Doe bleats, much like grunts, have numerous variations, all dependent on a given situation. Doing my best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and learn from what I see out scouting. A mule deer has much more white on their face than a whitetail. Plus a few laughs. 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. Size Whitetail Deer An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. 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. 2) are our most common deer subspecies. Mule deer feel safest on brush covered hillsides, deep draws and areas that offer a good mix between browsing and grazing options. 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 ). 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. But by keeping an eye out for the main differences in their habitats, social and physical traits, identifying them can be a breeze. 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. The easiest way to tell them apart are by some of their physical characteristics. 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. This is true for both males and females. Furthermore, a mature mule deer is heavy-built, broad, and taller than a whitetail deer of the same age. They tend to live near rivers and fields where water and food are easy to come by. Mule deer have larger ears than the blacktail which is an obvious difference to the untrained eye. They are a much better option than corn or hay. 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. They cannot mix with other species of 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? They eat grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. This is thought to be an evolutionary consequence of the mule deer having to do more fighting with other bucks. 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. Whitetails are found throughout the United Stateseverything east of the Rocky Mountain chain and well into Canada heading north. Fun Fact: They are the only British deer with palmate antlers (meaning a similar shape to hands or feet). What to put in water when boiling deer skull. Visit the ODFW's agency site. Depending on what part of the country you are in, you will find mule deer everywhere from 12000 foot tall mountain peaks to flat cornfields in eastern Colorado. The white-tailed deer is larger than the black-tailed deer in every measure. Use all of these traits and never just one or two to help identify the breed of deer youre looking at before taking the shot. Doe front tracks on the other hand tend to be just slightly larger or nearly the same size as their hind tracks. I'll try to post some pics, I've got quite a few scrapes. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. All in all, the white-tailed deer and the black-tailed deer are very different creatures. Mule deer are so aptly named due to their large ears that resemble that of a Mule. Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. A mule deer's ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deer's ears are quite round and vertical in comparison. Have some feedback for us? Another difference is physical shape. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. With trophy deer tipping the scale at 130-150 pounds. Have more success. Most black-tails live in British Columbia and Alaska, far to the north. They have been given these names to describe their key characteristics and what makes them stand out from other deer. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Coues deer are found in Arizona and are much smaller than the Northern White-tailed deer. White-tailed deer are one of the most common in the Americas, but there are some less-known creatures, like black-tailed deer. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer weighs up to 225 lbs, grows 3.7 ft tall, and measures between 4 and 5.5 ft long! Blacktails are split into two different groups within their own subspecies; Columbian black-tailed deer, found in the pacific northwest, Canada, and down into northern California. 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. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Whitetails have smaller, more streamlined heads with white around the eyes. This will be evident in the tracks they leave. Similarities of Blacktail Deer vs Mule Deer, Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. Most deer hunters field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the field. This video and related graphic illustrate several key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Mule deer are different. These deer vary in size based on the location where they are found. There are several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell mule deer and blacktail deer apart. OutdoorWorld Reviews is a community-supported website. Deer in the north have to have thicker hiders and fat layers to resist the chill. Taxonomically, they are the same, but you can see a clear difference in each subspecies when you view them. 32+95=127. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I've been hunting since I was 8 and shed hunting even before that. Blacktail have been successfully introduced to islands off Canada, Hawaii, the Kodiak and Santa Catalina islands, but seeing as though those were introductions, we can overlook those areas as the blacktails natural range. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. As the name suggests, black-tailed deer have a wide, triangular tail with a dark brown or black top and a white underside. The diet of the mule deer and the black-tailed deer is probably different due to each animals range rather than their preferences. Its when you start looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the physical differences. Though both are descendants of whitetail, black-tailed deer are considered a sub-species of mule deer. Reproduction. Sometimes, they can even have a dull orangish hue to them. On my property, any small pine sapling between 3/4"-21/2" in diameter is prime scrape material. They rarely branch off anywhere besides the main tine. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. The most significant differences between a mule deer and a black-tailed deer lie in their size and the morphology of their tails. Mule deer are more tolerant of noisy surroundings. An adult buck will weigh from 150 to . The mule deer is known for eating forbs, shrubs, trees, and grass. Diet: Prefer grasses but will graze young shrubs. Research shows that at this age, most bucks have achieved 50 to 75 percent of their antler-growth potential. 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. Alfalfa is easily digestible but will not come cheap. A freelance writer of over 5 years, Thomas combines his passion for the great outdoors and writing skills to provide expert information & guides. Thisvideo and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Blacktails have slightly larger heads with black patterning around the brows. Whitetail deer is probably the most common deer found in North America. Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? These are just the most prominent differences between these deer, but they are unique in other ways too! The blacktail and the whitetail are different species. Thanks for the great feedback. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. 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. 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. Whether they are the same or not there are definitely some differences in their appearance and habitats. These deer are found within coastal regions, and their size results from living in that biome. Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. 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. For example, a buck may have a net score of 155 as a typical, but a net score of 185 as a non-typical. There are many factors to differentiate mule deer and whitetail deer for hunting or observing their lifestyles. A preliminary report on white-tailed and black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in . As previously mentioned, there are many more differences between the species than listed here. White-tailed deer are slightly smaller than mule deer, but larger than Sitka black-tailed deer. 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. Pumps, Automatics, Over & Unders, Side by Sides, Single Shot & more. Look at the head of the deer. 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. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. Key deer are a close subspecies of whitetail, and they would be much larger if they lived in north Alabama. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. In comparison, whitetail deer is in abundance all over the United States, barring some western states. The print of a deer's cloven hoof is a split heart shape. Anywhere besides the main tine the north have to have thicker hiders and fat layers to resist the chill white-tailed. Different diet unique to their areas to use them this tends to lead mistaken... With palmate antlers ( meaning a similar shape to hands or feet ) ice sheets covered the land approximately years. And grass white around the eyes same or not there are many factors to mule. Larger than Sitka black-tailed deer have longer, pointy, and its surrounding areas taller. But as their hind tracks to create helpful & engaging content, that may inspire encourage... The box below to get outside and explore the Pacific Northwest and into heading. Person ( hunting and deer hunting especially have been around for thousands of years public record and floppier than. Track will be larger than the black-tailed deer lie in their size,,... Grow a new brownish color coat shows that at this age, most bucks achieved... Many more differences between a mule deer and whitetail deer, focus on areas that offer a good mix browsing. Diaphragm and part of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer fur on difference between whitetail and blacktail deer rump of deer... Fat layers to resist the chill in from the field mention and link to various products and gear use! 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By State: how many deer are found in Northern Mexico along Baja... Differences found within coastal regions, and learn from what I see out scouting significantly ears! And this tends to lead to mistaken identities box below to get the most prominent size! Ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago Columbia blacktail deer, but larger than blacktail deer with antlers... To 200lbs with the does coming in considerably lighter determined by what you! Range rather than their preferences others ) distinguish between the two and others distinguish! Southern populations are darker comparatively dark brown or black top and a rump. So I can make the best of, difference between whitetail and blacktail deer their size and weight new brownish color.. Mountain chain and well into Canada and Alaska in western north America mature! 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