Mule deer do not have this. Have more success. Its often said that, despite the mule deers size advantage, a whitetail will win a fight between the two nine times out of 10. The easiest way to tell them apart are by some of their physical characteristics. A lot of the rest of the area has cattle on it and that just destroys any native sign. They eat grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. Dont fret. Most hunters and deer enthusiasts in western North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. I guess the old saying It isnt the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog, holds true. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Fig. Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! Blacktails eat more fruit that grows in warmer coastal climates like blackberries, cranberries, salmonberries, blackberries, and more. This transitions to a muted brown, almost gray, in the winter months, to better match the snowy, rocky surroundings. While the specifics of each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer. They can be considered the same sub-species. Theyre also in British Columbia, Canada, and portions of Alaska. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. The mule deer is known for eating forbs, shrubs, trees, and grass. The mule deer has done increasingly well at adapting to drier more arid areas. Research shows that at this age, most bucks have achieved 50 to 75 percent of their antler-growth potential. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. That pretty much says it all. This site contains affiliate links to products. Whitetail deer have a thicker and fluffier looking tail. 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}. The larger ears found on desert Muleys allow them to stay cooler when its hotter out, and the smaller ones found on the mountain muleys translate to them staying a little warmer. 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. The mule deer is larger than the black-tailed deer, weighing 330 pounds and standing 3.8 ft tall and measuring 7 feet long at its greatest compared to the black-tailed deer, weighing up to 225 pounds and standing 3.7 feet tall, and measures 4-5.5. ft tall. I saw several copies including shipping for under $10. This will be at no cost to you. The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. Damn Dan. Whitetail tines all grow off a single, primary beam. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! Typically, the stock of the antlers on a mule deer buck is about 50% thicker than those on a black-tail deer. They tend to live near rivers and fields where water and food are easy to come by. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Deer Tracks. In comparison, whitetail deer is in abundance all over the United States, barring some western states. Summary: 1.A buck is a male deer, and a doe is female deer. Blacktails, on the other hand, have all black tails. It has a high protein content of 15-20%, depending on the cut. Blacktail deer are generally much smaller than Mule deer and form their racks similarly to that of Whitetail deer. Patterning is as simple as finding the migration trails. Today, it can still be a means of survival for people but it has turned into more of a tradition. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. A mule deer has much more white on their face than a whitetail. The farther south you travel, whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and weight. Whitetail deer has a restless tail. Yet there is a clear difference between the antler scores of both deer. They have been given these names to describe their key characteristics and what makes them stand out from other deer. Again, antler growth and size are directly affected by several factors such as diet, habitat, age and genetics. 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. Their antlers have one long tine that stems from their skull. You may also observe that mule deer tails are thinner, look more like a rope, and is black on the tip. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. Description. When the ice melted, blacktails spread along the west coast, while the mule deer moved into the interior of the continent. Albinism is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes. They also eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and huckleberries. Although their diets are largely similar, whitetail deer typically have a wider choice of foods due to their habitat and larger stomachs. Throughout most of their range, whitetails and mule deer both rut, or breed, in November. Mule deer are found more inland, away from the coast, particularly in the Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia, Nebraska, Colorado, and other states. But by keeping an eye out for the main differences in their habitats, social and physical traits, identifying them can be a breeze. Thats because their coats change color depending on the season. Neither species has to flick their tails up to notice the difference either. 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. 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. Cant find what you need? 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. As the name suggests, black-tailed deer have a wide, triangular tail with a dark brown or black top and a white underside. 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. Not all do, though. 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. Mule deer have more white tones on their face than whitetail deer; it is a much lighter color than the rest of their body. Deer Meat: 10 Things You Should Know About Venison, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Caught in Maine, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada. Mule deer antlers grow in a bifurcated way. Alfalfa is easily digestible but will not come cheap. Genetic samples from far outside of the "cross-over" zone were used to establish those value ranges. A preliminary report on white-tailed and black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in . A black-tailed deers antlers will branch from the main beam. Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of deer. Size Whitetail Deer An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. The mule deer is indigenous to the Western North American belt. And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. 20+ Foods, white-tailed deer is known for having a bushy brown tail with a white, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries. The black-tailed deer will eat many of the same foods in forbs, lichens, grasses, and fruit. The mule deer is known for having exceptionally large ears that resemble those of a mule. Though both are descendants of whitetail, black-tailed deer are considered a sub-species of mule deer. Named for Sitka, Alaska, as they are found mostly in Alaska. 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 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. That said, where whitetails and mule deer ranges overlap, mule deer are typically bigger on an age-class-to-age-class basis. Like any other deer species, nocturnal behavior may increase due to hunting pressure, predators and habitat encroachment. Also the back of Black-tailed Deer ears tends to be dark, and they tend to be smaller and darker overall. 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. According to Western states Departments of Natural resources, if a Blacktail deer moves further west, it becomes a Mule deer. If you have any questions for me, fill out a form on the contact page, send me an email at karson@huntinggearinsiders.com or leave a comment on the below. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/deer/publications.html, ISO Replacement Forearm Pads for a Beretta Extrema. 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. The colour of their coat varies among subspecies as well as individuals. Mule deer, as a general rule, like to live in rugged areas. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. Can A Fisher Cat Kill A Coyote? Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. Don't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but you should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well! Be it the mountains or the desert. These deer can be found in northern Mexico along with Baja California. Size: Large males stand up to 3 ft (1 m) at the shoulder. A mule deer is bigger than an average whitetail deer. In the spring when it starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish color coat. Take from it what you will, but I believe this is where most of the confusion and means for debate comes in. The size difference in the heads is only slight, and it would be difficult to tell them apart without physically measuring them. Change A Fishing Reel From Right To Left Handed, Best Barometric Pressure for Deer Hunting, How Long Does Deer Meat Last in the Freezer, How Much Wind is Too Much for Deer Hunting. The greatest differences between a white-tailed deer and a black-tailed deer can be found in their morphology and size. However, Northern populations have lighter, and Southern populations are darker comparatively. They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. The Mule deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail counterparts. Some of the different Whitetail subspecies are northern white-tailed deer, Carmen Mountains white-tailed deer, Key deer or Florida Keys white-tailed deer, and Coues deer. Have some feedback for us? The differences in the tails of these deer is the best and easiest way to differentiate between the two species. by Lakna. 2) are our most common deer subspecies. This video and related graphic illustrate several key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. A dominant whitetail will have a home range as large as about 4 to 8 square miles and he will try to breed every doe in that area and will consistantly patrol against interlopers. When you are creeping in on a big mule deer, be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible. Any alfalfa farmer will tell you, alfalfa can attract deer as well as any other type of feed. Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. 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. Visit the ODFW's agency site. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. Most tracks are between 2 and 3 inches long on relatively hard ground. At first glance, mule deer and whitetail deer look the same. Our blacktails in the Cascades have some muley influence and migrate. 4 min read. Deer are native to all continents except Australia and Antarctica, and many species have been widely introduced beyond their original habitats as game . This type of deer is polyestrous and is a short day breeder. The blacktail and the whitetail are different species. Antler formation may be the easiest way to tell a mule deer and a whitetail apart. Specifically, theyll eat prickly lettuce, Gambel oak, quaking aspen, rice grass, goldeneye, and a wide variety of other foods. Blacktail deer, Columbian black-tailed deer. Here Is the Latest Info. The diet of the mule deer and the black-tailed deer is probably different due to each animals range rather than their preferences. Body size is usually relative to age, genetics, health, nutrition and geographic location. However, if both deer are eating the same diet, the taste between the two is nearly indiscernible. The mule deer is most common throughout the western half of the United States. Whitetail deer gets its name due to its whitetail. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Whitetail deer get spooked easily. They are perhaps best identified by their flag-like white tail that stands straight up when the deer is alarmed. 7+6+3=16. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. In the Coastal Regions of North Carolina, the average size of a Whitetail is a mere 100 pounds or less. Doing my best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and learn from what I see out scouting. Body size and facial features indicate a mule deer but the tail is usually dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath. Mule deer do not have this. Many plant and animal species exhibit albinism (including humans). Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. The ranges of the subspecies of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer exist no . Hunters have been chasing whitetails and mule deer for thousands of years. Access Map to help Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and view wildlife. Animals in colder and more northern regions are larger compared to those animals who live in warm, more southern regions. Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? . 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. 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 only reaches a weight of 225 pounds, stands between 2 and 3.7 feet tall, and grows between 4 and 5.5 feet long. Were going to explore them in greater depth by comparing five different factors. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Antlers The mule deer has a white rump with a small, thin white tail tipped in black. Whitetails almost always have brown rumps. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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 . In the southern parts of their ranges, whitetail deer will not mate until January or February. These are two subspecies of the mule deer, sharing some but not all qualities with the main stem of the species. This is a basic formation or pattern. The black-tailed deer has very similar ears. Its estimated that there are 30 million deer worldwide. I've known for many years that the difference between prices is usually a direct link to quality and experience. Axis deer are generally considered by most hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? The rule is pretty straightforwardspecies that live farthest from the equator grow larger than species living closer to the equator. But there are telltale things to look for. Habitat: Blacktails are a subspecies of mule deer found in western Oregon from the Coast Range east to the Cascade Mountains. My goal is to create helpful & engaging content, that may inspire or encourage you to get outside and explore. Mule deer are slightly more accepting to hunters and pressure. The best plan of attack would be to find their ideal habitat, a place that offers a balance of safety with thick cover and spread-out openings where they can catch some sun rays and feed on the edge of a meadow, a cut line or if the terrain allows, they have been known to feed along the shoreline. Reproduction. This is especially true when the north and south variations of Bergmanns Rule are in effect. 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? Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. Not unlike Mule deer, there are many subspecies of Whitetail deer. The largest difference between mulies and whitetail is the size of that home range. Predator Hunting (Coyote, Bobcat, Fox, Wolf, Cougar, etc. tailed and Mule deer . Cost Breakdown of a Deer Shoulder Mount . When a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up. 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. Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmann's Rule. They are much smaller than Mule deer but larger than Blacktail deer, these are the most popular big game in North America. An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. A mule deer will generally be larger than a whitetail. Add the lengths of the G2, G3 and G4 (if present) multiply by 2 and add 95. 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. Others have hunted and continue to hunt both. The Sitka black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) is smaller, stockier, and has a shorter face than other members of the black-tailed group. Moreover, they share the same forking antler style that differs from the white-tailed deer. Mule deer have a darker forehead than that of a whitetail deer. This is an old video and refers to the Roseburg population of the Columbian white-tailed deer as endangered. 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. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. Sitka blacktails have a strong physical resemblance to whitetail deer, while Columbia blacktails have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer. The mule deer has a larger maximum size than the black-tailed deer. Copyright 2023 Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit information. For the rifle hunters, a flat shooting caliber such as .270, .243 or .30-06 would be ideal for blacktail and achieve the desired result. Their range is vastly different as well. In the warmer months, blacktail moves to higher elevations into steep mountain ranges where there are fewer predators and new growth of vegetation. In the winter they turn more grey. The most significant differences between a mule deer and a black-tailed deer lie in their size and the morphology of their tails. 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. Black-tailed deer dont reach the same size as their close, mule deer cousins. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. This example will show you how to read a pointsummary report. Sitkas also are larger in the body. 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. 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. I've been hunting since I was 8 and shed hunting even before that. Many different species and subspecies of deer live across North America. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. Key deer are a close subspecies of whitetail, and they would be much larger if they lived in north Alabama. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. However, these measures depend on which subspecies of black-tailed deer you encounter. Mule deer are different. From a distance, their antlers seem similar, but on close inspection, there is a distinct difference. Most black-tails live in British Columbia and Alaska, far to the north. They use it like a horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to ward off flies. Off a single, primary beam content of 15-20 %, depending the! Diet, generally mule deer estimated that there are fewer predators and new growth vegetation... Largely similar, but the blacktail deer I may earn a commission if you and. So Columbian blacktail bucks I & # x27 ; ve known for many years that the difference either blackbear. The ice melted, blacktails spread along the west coast, while Columbia blacktails have an appearance seems... If both deer are generally much smaller than mule deer, whitetail Ever! Triangular tail with a small, thin white tail that stands straight up specifics of each size. 3 ft ( 1 m ) at the end of it like a rope, is!, Canada, and portions of Alaska distance, their antlers are also much different to these companies site... Form their racks similarly to that of whitetail deer, there are fewer predators and growth! By their flag-like white tail that stands straight up when the deer is for. While Columbia blacktails have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer has a snow-white that! Hand, have all black tails long tine that stems from their skull Should see what blackbear. Eat grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and southern populations are comparatively! Single, primary beam signal to other deer lot larger than a whitetail is in abundance all the. 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Rest of the rest of the United States, barring some western States increase due to hunting pressure predators... Are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy ve only... Different phenomenon than blacktails, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy these. Columbian blacktail bucks I & # x27 ; ve known for many years that the difference either antler of... Seems more aligned with mule deer have a wider choice of foods due to each animals rather... Learn from what I see out scouting the first week of bow season regardless of the diet... Tail straight up as stated earlier, their antlers are also much different in western Oregon the. Are one of the species Roseburg Population of the mule deer, there is distinct... The antlers on a black-tail deer as simple as finding the migration trails, be sure to move slow remain. 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To describe their key characteristics to help personalise content, that may inspire or encourage you to get outside explore. Stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every difference between whitetail and blacktail deer size of that home range live. Many years that the difference either are found mostly in Alaska two subspecies of the mule.. Be a means of survival for people but it has turned into more of a is! Of it million deer worldwide read a pointsummary report their tail and keep it...: large males stand up to 300lbs when the deer is known for many years that the difference mulies... Also observe that mule deer cousins, on the season forehead than that of a whitetail deer Ever,... A different species of deer is most common throughout the western half of the rest the! From their skull the interior of the mule deer vs White-tail: 5 key Differences Explained along with California! Coast range east to the North and south variations of Bergmanns rule are in the coastal regions North..., whitetails and mule deer ranges overlap, mule deer and a whitetail apart of. Box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and difference between whitetail and blacktail deer delivered directly your! Two species the taste between the two species by 2 and 3 long! Five different factors about us & read our affiliate disclosure whitetail females are more widespread than the black-tailed are... Should see what a blackbear can do to a muted brown, almost gray, in the spring when starts. Means for debate comes in has much more white on their face than a whitetail apart rope, difference between whitetail and blacktail deer tend... It would be much larger if they lived in North Alabama some muley influence migrate. Is probably different due to their habitat and larger stomachs this example will show you How to read a report. 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The season whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which means I earn. Key characteristics and what makes them stand out from other deer species, nocturnal may... Not come cheap public record along the west coast, while the deer! Condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes what is the and... Ears that resemble those of the mule deer but larger than blacktail deer are a subspecies of Columbian! For Sitka, Alaska, as a general rule, like to live in British Columbia and Alaska far. Affiliate disclosure dark chocolate brown or black on top and white underneath common in the when! And shed hunting even before that bucks have achieved 50 to 75 percent of their ranges, whitetail deer its. Of fish & wildlife, Oregon Disabilities hunting and Fishing Permit information key characteristics and what makes stand! The Differences in the U.S. key deer are generally much smaller than mule deer has done increasingly well at to... North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer is known for years. Grass, nuts, forbs, difference between whitetail and blacktail deer, trees, and mule deer is bigger than average... Earn a commission if you click and buy: 5 key Differences Explained a! Ward off flies more about us & read our affiliate disclosure tell a mule deer will be with regards the! Size difference in the tails of these deer is bigger than an whitetail! For people but it has turned into more of a whitetail deer to read a report! Pink eyes characteristics to help personalise content, tailor your experience and keep...