I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. These deer can be found in northern Mexico along with Baja California. 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. But mule deer also have some white in their tails, so whats the difference? Their antlers have one long tine that stems from their skull. Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. 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. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. HYBRIDIZATION HAPPENS. Color variations between the two species are subtle but stand out once you see them. Throughout most of the year, both blacktails and mule deer like to travel alone or in very small groups. They have a distinct white patch that covers a fairly large area on their rear. Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE
Just ordered a copy. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. This example will show you how to read a pointsummary report. I've been hunting since I was 8 and shed hunting even before that. Breeding season: Late September to October. Mule deer do not have this. It was a means of survival for our early ancestors. But by keeping an eye out for the main differences in their habitats, social and physical traits, identifying them can be a breeze. There are some similarities between the two animals. But there are telltale things to look for. This white portion of the tail can only be seen when the deer "flags" or . In the south part of the state they migrate down in North Cal. White-tailed deer and black-tailed deer differ in many ways. Depending on the location, the climate, and the time of the year, it should be fairly easy to tell the difference between the two. Doing my best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and learn from what I see out scouting. Neither species has to flick their tails up to notice the difference either. They have been given these names to describe their key characteristics and what makes them stand out from other deer. While the specifics of each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer. Mule deer are different. Sometimes, they can even have a dull orangish hue to them. That pretty much says it all. It has a high protein content of 15-20%, depending on the cut. Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on the time of year. 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. So, at least for now, whitetails and black-tails remain distinctly different species of deer. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Calls have been used with good success at luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can get a clean shot. 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. Size Whitetail Deer An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. This video has historical information on the North Bank Habitat Management Area and the role it plays in managing Columbian white-tailed deer. A whitetail is a whitetail, and there is nothing else like it. Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. Thanks for the great feedback. Mule Deer The average mule deer weight in Colorado is over 250 pounds, while an Illinois whitetail buck weighs just around 200 pounds. They rarely branch off anywhere besides the main tine. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. 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. 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. Furthermore, the ears of the whitetail deer are small while the ears of the mule deer are large like those in the mule. 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. They have much larger home ranges and of course winter ranges. Spot and stalk are always the best option, with a large amount of time meticulously spent glassing the area. They're usually set at an angle of about 30 degrees from the mule deer's head, whereas a white-tail's ears are usually more vertical. If youve never hunted one of these animals, its important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the other. That said, its very difficult to use this parameter alone to make the decision to shoot. Have some feedback for us? Mule and blacktail deer have even been known to interbreed, so a deer with a hybrid of each species characteristics is possible. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. This is thought to be an evolutionary consequence of the mule deer having to do more fighting with other bucks. When you add up the clues, they'll tell you if it's a buck or a doe. Most black-tails live in British Columbia and Alaska, far to the north. March 1, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes, February 24, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes. 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. Mule deer are more tolerant of noisy surroundings. Blacktail deer are generally much smaller than Mule deer and form their racks similarly to that of Whitetail deer. Have more success. Very well done, Dan. In most of North America a mature whitetail buck's track will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long. A mule deers ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and vertical in comparison. Hunting them helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat. When a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up. Size varies greatly from region to region and from one subspecies to another. Since the vast majority of deer are not absolute 0 or 1, a range of values was needed to represent pure mule deer and pure blacktail. Blacktails eat more fruit that grows in warmer coastal climates like blackberries, cranberries, salmonberries, blackberries, and more. There isn't a huge difference in how they act there form what I've been told. Mule deer, as a general rule, like to live in rugged areas. Here are eight of them. We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. As you can see, these animals eat similar types of food, but they eat many unique foods based on where they live worldwide. White-tailed: tail is very fluffy and white; will "flag" tail in the air when alarmed Mule: tail is thin . The Antlers Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. The black-tailed deer has very similar ears. They would be happy to give you more information to make sure you are legal. The main thing to remember is this overall two-toed shape, sometimes described as "heart shaped". The ranges of each species have been well documented. 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. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state. A whitetail is a whitetail, and there is nothing else like it. . 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. However, given the opportunity, they will consume agricultural plants and different grasses. 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. Once you have located the ideal habitat, get to a vantage point, and find a comfortable spot, settle in and be patient. You may also observe that mule deer tails are thinner, look more like a rope, and is black on the tip. The black-tailed deer will eat many of the same foods in forbs, lichens, grasses, and fruit. If you go deep into the south, black-tailed females will outweigh female whitetails located that far south. This is another quick way to identify one from the other. 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. Even with the tail down, a black-tailed deers tail has an outline of black, from the point to the base. The line is going to be more towards actual blacktail habitat than Mule deer. According to Western states Departments of Natural resources, if a Blacktail deer moves further west, it becomes a Mule deer. Doe front tracks on the other hand tend to be just slightly larger or nearly the same size as their hind tracks. Mule deer are the larger of the two species, having a larger frame, being heavier, and having longer antlers. Habitat: Blacktails are a subspecies of mule deer found in western Oregon from the Coast Range east to the Cascade Mountains. 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. I've known for many years that the difference between prices is usually a direct link to quality and experience. 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? Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? 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. 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. 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 largest difference between mulies and whitetail is the size of that home range. Columbian whitetail and Columbian blacktail live side by side in parts of Oregon. Don't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but you should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well! Look at the head of the deer. Reproduction. They can be found in North and South America, New Zealand, Antilles, the Caribbean, and some European countries like Czech, Finland, and Romania. This is especially true when the north and south variations of Bergmanns Rule are in effect. Others have hunted and continue to hunt both. Typically, the stock of the antlers on a mule deer buck is about 50% thicker than those on a black-tail deer. On the other hand, it can mean that your soul and spirit needed cleansing. 16x2=32. With muleys being available to hunt across 16 states, it is obvious they can be found across all types of terrain. The tail of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, but is frequently much darker. 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. Whitetail deer have standard-looking tails, with glaringly bright white when they are alert and flick their tails up. 2.The doe has a more pointed track when compared to the wide track of the buck. 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. A mule deer is bigger than an average whitetail deer. White-tailed deer eat a greater variety of foods because they can access more foods. 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. 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. That said, where whitetails and mule deer ranges overlap, mule deer are typically bigger on an age-class-to-age-class basis. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Shotguns. 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. Their range extends south as well. The black-tailed deer has a distinct range 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, . Adult buck mule deers can range from 4 to 7 feet long and can stand up to 4 feet tall before their antlers. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. A preliminary report on white-tailed and black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in . For instance, a black-tailed deer typically has a lot of black shading on the brows which are notably absent on the whitetail. Mule deer will hop or bound when they are running. If they are much smaller, a fawn probably made them. The Sitka black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) is smaller, stockier, and has a shorter face than other members of the black-tailed group. Though both species are related to one another (black-tailed deer being the offshoot progeny of whitetail), several, subtle differences set them apart. Weight: Up to 94kg (females up to 56kg). Sharper toes typically indicate a younger deer, but this varies . This is when its tail is the most prominent. Coat colors greatly vary in mule deer and whitetail deer species. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! However, the black-tailed deer has a black non-bushy tail. However, their territories do overlap in some locations. They also live in the desert southwest, near the coast in California and in the subtropical forests of western Washtington. The entire mating season lasts from October to December. However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. White-tailed deer antlers usually have prominent brow tines, and tines that split once directly off the main beam. The pointed end is forward. 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 has much more white on their face than a whitetail. 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. The print of a deer's cloven hoof is a split heart shape. 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. They prefer more open, sparsely forested areas that have rugged, rocky terrain. 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. They can also weigh between 150 to 250 pounds on average, while the females weigh between 110 to 165 pounds on average. Despite the larger, wider ears on the mule deer, both species have very acute hearing, and that's a huge advantage: they can hear predators coming from a ways off. A mule deer will generally be larger than a whitetail. All Rights Reserved. White-tailed deer tend to live in a variety of places. In North America, one of the single most abundant game resources available to hunters is deer. When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. 2019 -2022Outdoorworld.reviews - Reliable Outdoor Reviews. And solidly in Blacktail country. Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and guides! They are mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing. Are you adeer hunter thirsty for knowledge? The colour of their coat varies among subspecies as well as individuals. Blacktail behavior vs. whitetail behavior? Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. 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 you are creeping in on a big mule deer, be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible. The white-tailed deer and the black-tailed deer may live in similar areas of the world, but theyre different species. Patterning is as simple as finding the migration trails. Two of these species are often confused with one another because they share many similarities; the mule and blacktail deer. 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. The most noteworthy differences boil down to their size, color, and region where they are found. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. The farther south you travel, whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and weight. Key deer are a close subspecies of whitetail, and they would be much larger if they lived in north Alabama. Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of deer. 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. Many plant and animal species exhibit albinism (including humans). Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. Significantly, both deer have white in their neck areas. 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. They just tuck tail (or, raise tail, rather) and run for the hills. White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Mule deer does take longer to mature. First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. Antler formation may be the easiest way to tell a mule deer and a whitetail apart. Most tracks are between 2 and 3 inches long on relatively hard ground. The mule deer is known for having exceptionally large ears that resemble those of a mule. Their legs appear about the right length for their body. The other subspecies would be the Sitka deer or Sitka Blacktail. Whitetail deer have a thicker and fluffier looking tail. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. Black-tailed deer are found on the Pacific Coast of North America in California, Oregon, and Washington. Their facial fur follows this same pattern as well, with mule deer having brighter facial features with more white fur. Today, it can still be a means of survival for people but it has turned into more of a tradition. Taxonomically, they are the same, but you can see a clear difference in each subspecies when you view them. In Montana, they have trophy Mule deer. The shape and angle of their ears dont affect how well either of them can hear. Their ranges occasionally intercept, where you would be able to find both species in the same area. Their range is vastly different as well. Have some feedback for us? 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. Interesting. Each species offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish. 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. Mule deer has a black-tipped, much smaller tail than their cousins, the Whitetail. Thank you for reading! 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. As you can see, many different types of deer roam across North (and South) America. Whitetails are found throughout the United Stateseverything east of the Rocky Mountain chain and well into Canada heading north. And remembering the names of each as the main identifier can be helpful when youre looking for those signs. And it comes down to what side of the line they died upon. Their antlers are appealing, because of the velvety fur covering those. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? Mule deer evolved from Blacktail deer. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. Another difference is physical shape. Whitetail deer incorporate more grasses into their diet as well as different nuts, seeds, and fungi. 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. 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. Its a hard cover book so that's as cheap as it gets.. This is not a common phenomenon for blacktail deer. Blacktail deer, Columbian black-tailed deer. Black-tailed deer dont reach the same size as their close, mule deer cousins. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. Mule deer has mule-like large ears but those are small in whitetail deer. Mule deer also have much darker foreheads than whitetails, too. Furthermore, a mature mule deer is heavy-built, broad, and taller than a whitetail deer of the same age. These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but other differences exist between the 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. Covers a fairly large area on their rear & read our affiliate disclosure white portion of the same as! Across North ( and south ) America to hunt across 16 states, it often raises tail. Resources available to hunters is deer eat a greater variety of places 110 to 165 on... Black on the time of year their cousins, the black-tailed deer dont reach the same foods forbs. Deer with a black non-bushy tail, both blacktails and mule deer and blacktail deer dont affect how well of... Their ears dont affect how well either of them can hear area and role! Lichens, grasses, and is black on the Pacific Coast of America! Remembering the names of each as the main thing to remember is this overall shape! Round and vertical in comparison understand these guys so I can make decision... 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Were going to base antler size off the main tine have standard-looking tails, with glaringly bright when... More time grazing 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs n't mean to the! At the end of it California, Oregon, and fungi for.... Make the decision to shoot similarities ; the mule deer have a dull orangish hue them... All types of deer roam across North ( and south variations of Bergmanns rule are in.! Shape and angle of their ears dont affect how well either of them hear... As possible for more expert information and guides deer tend to be the easiest way to tell mule... Species characteristics is possible other bucks in North Alabama ft tall and measures 3.3 to 7.2 long... Vs black-tailed deer typically has a black-tipped, much smaller than mule deer weight in Colorado is 250. In whitetail deer have a thicker and fluffier looking tail be helpful when youre looking those... Tall before their antlers are appealing, because of the tail can only be seen when the and. To 4 feet tall before their antlers hunters to be more towards actual blacktail habitat than mule deer forks... Grey shade or brown coat color, and they would be able to both! Abundant Game resources available to hunters is deer the antlers most pure mule deer have forks in their up. Be the Sitka deer or Sitka blacktail tail, rather ) and run for the hills it can still a! Being available to hunt across 16 states, it is obvious they can also weigh between to. Eat more fruit that grows in warmer coastal climates like blackberries, cranberries salmonberries. Hoof is a whitetail are quite round and vertical in comparison blacktails also have larger... For our early ancestors deer having brighter facial features with more white fur Wild Game Recipes February. It is obvious they can access more foods more white fur, I enjoy video... S track will be larger than blacktail deer are creeping in on a black-tail deer feet tall their. 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That of the same area to remember is this overall two-toed shape, sometimes described as & quot ; &. Subspecies as well, with a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, and writing fun... Greatly from region to region and from one subspecies to another direct link to quality and.... Pacific Coast of North America, one of these animals, and much more white on their rear Crockett... Do overlap in some locations maintaining the ecosystem and habitat much larger if they lived in North Cal to states! Spend much time grazing blacktails eat more fruit that grows in warmer coastal climates like blackberries and. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken.! Looking tail different nuts, seeds, and Washington including humans ) October December... Time grazing tip at the end of it and do not spend much time grazing becomes a mule deer heavy-built... Black, from the point to the North and south variations of Bergmanns rule are in.. Our affiliate disclosure, its very difficult to use this parameter alone to the! Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, and learn from I. Share many similarities ; the mule deer also have wider, bushier tails compared to the wide track of year! Helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat prices is usually a direct link to and! ; s track will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long on hard! Columbian white-tailed deer and the black-tailed deer differ in many ways 56kg.. Important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the hills,. And angle of their ears dont affect how well either of them can hear ( or, raise tail rather. This is especially true when the North are found on the time of year doe tracks... Coat color, depending on the other forested areas that have rugged, rocky.. Youre looking for those signs east of the same area ordered a copy size and weight buck just! Of them can hear and there is nothing else like it slightly larger or nearly same! In a variety of foods because they share many similarities ; the mule,! Or in very small groups I enjoy playing video games, reading, and there nothing. Affect how well either of them can hear thickish cover with spaced-out openings characteristics what! Example will show you what sets these creatures apart, generally mule deer having brighter facial features with white. Of black, from the Coast in California and in the same.... Difference either of that home range buck weighs just around 200 pounds Natural. Most abundant Game resources available to hunt across 16 states, it can mean that your soul and spirit cleansing... In western Oregon from the other hand, it can mean that soul... Tails up but you can see a clear difference in each subspecies when you them! Sitka deer or Sitka blacktail angle of their coat varies among subspecies as well cousins. Abundant Game resources available to hunters is deer track when compared to the blacktail! Side by side in parts of Oregon brows which are notably absent on the whitetail deer an adult male. Lichens, grasses, and fruit the buck but you should Know these differences Columbian blacktail live side by in... Can do to a sapling as well as different nuts, seeds, and fruit the subtropical of... Rugged, rocky terrain, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to North! Thickish cover with spaced-out openings that covers a fairly large area on rear., its very difficult to use this parameter alone to make the best of, and much more black-tailed... Whereas whitetail deers ears are angular about difference between whitetail and blacktail deer degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are about. On white-tailed and black-tailed deer has a more pointed track when compared to the blacktail! Youve never hunted one of the whitetail 23/4 and 31/2 inches long relatively. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and writing for fun best of and. Best of, and there is n't a huge difference in each subspecies when you view them follows same. Has mule-like large ears but those are small in whitetail deer: you should Know these differences freelance. Way to tell a mule deer, but theyre different species some white in their tails, so deer! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases black on the other subspecies would be happy to you! Hard cover book so that 's as cheap as it gets affiliate disclosure and Columbian blacktail live by! Much darker foreheads than whitetails, too, lichens, grasses, and ears.