Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. Interestingly, both shed their antlers every year in succession to each other. As previously mentioned, there are many more differences between the species than listed here. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. Again, antler growth and size are directly affected by several factors such as diet, habitat, age and genetics. Patterning is as simple as finding the migration trails. A black-tailed deers antlers will branch from the main beam. That's why we have theOregon Hunting JSTOR, Available here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3504024, National Wildlife Federation, Available here: https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Mule-Deer, State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Available here: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=muledeer.main, Mule Deer Foundation, Available here: https://muledeer.org/mule-deer-black-tailed-facts-biology/#:~:text=Mule%20deer%20are%20distributed%20throughout,the%20Canadian%20provinces%20of%20Saskatchewan%2C. Do Cast Iron Wood Stoves Need Fire Bricks? Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. Its also more of a significant feature; on a whitetail. This is thought to be an evolutionary consequence of the mule deer having to do more fighting with other bucks. 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. Are you adeer hunter thirsty for knowledge? 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. Sometimes, they can even have a dull orangish hue to them. While blacktails have similar ears, they are noticeably smaller than the mules, which is a great identification trick! Their ranges occasionally intercept, where you would be able to find both species in the same area. Mule Deer The average mule deer weight in Colorado is over 250 pounds, while an Illinois whitetail buck weighs just around 200 pounds. Sitka blacktails have a strong physical resemblance to whitetail deer, while Columbia blacktails have an appearance that seems more aligned with mule deer. In Iowa, people chase some of the worlds largest Whitetail deer. While the blacktail deer has a darker face with fur that matches the rest of its body. 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. Mule deer do not have this. 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. During the rut, their tarsal glands will be dark and may show a lot of staining. Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. HYBRIDIZATION HAPPENS. 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. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. 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. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. But there are certainly more differences. Whitetail deer get spooked easily. This is a basic formation or pattern. See also: Coues Deer vs Whitetail Deer: Differences & Comparison. Your email address will not be published. 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. Telling a mule deer and a whitetail deer apart just based off of their coats is difficult. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Click here for Deer Tracks Chart The next time youre in a place where their ranges overlap, youll know exactly how to tell them apart! In the Southwests rugged and rocky terrain, you can find the gray ghost, and coues deer. Antler size We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. There is a good example of this rulea rule that doesnt affect black-tailed deer because of their largely northern environmentwith key deer. Their antlers have one long tine that stems from their skull. This color variation doesnt occur in black-tailed deer. Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. That said, telling a buck from a doe track is an art. Their range extends south as well. An interesting thing that kept coming up while doing research into the mule deer vs blacktail saga, was the number of journals that referred to the blacktail as a sub-species of mule deer and then seemingly the same number of journals that referred to the mule deer as a hybridized species of the blacktail. But it by no means implies that just because you have hunted a mule deer, there is no need to pursue a blacktail. The similarities make sense as they had common ancestors in western North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. The shape and angle of their ears dont affect how well either of them can hear. 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. Many different species and subspecies of deer live across North America. November 15, 2022 |Brow Tines and Backstrap. My goal is to create helpful & engaging content, that may inspire or encourage you to get outside and explore. Whitetail deer vary significantly in size and usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds. Both deer will grow up to 36 to 42 inches at the shoulders. To the untrained eye and on the surface, all these animals are just deer so we are going to dive into the differences between these amazing creatures. Their facial fur follows this same pattern as well, with mule deer having brighter facial features with more white fur. Eastern north america is dominated by white tailed deer. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/deer/publications.html, ISO Replacement Forearm Pads for a Beretta Extrema. In the spring when it starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish color coat. 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? Whitetail deer have spread out more than mule deer. As stated earlier, their antlers are also much different. However, the black-tailed deer has a black non-bushy tail. Two of these species are often confused with one another because they share many similarities; the mule and blacktail deer. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. Bucks are 32 38 high at the shoulder with a total length of around 3.2 feet. Columbian whitetail and Columbian blacktail live side by side in parts of Oregon. They also eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and huckleberries. 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 ). Whitetail tines all grow off a single, primary beam. 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. It has a range that spans nearly coast-to-coast, and when people think of what a deer looks like, they will probably picture a Whitetail. 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, Blacktails in the rainforest are a very different creature from even the chaparral bucks. 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. If youre going out hunting mule deer or whitetail, make sure you know the difference between the two so you dont end up shooting the wrong one. That makes it important for hunters and other wildlife lovers to know the visual difference between the two. So, hunting them one specific way is not always feasible. Its often said that, despite the mule deers size advantage, a whitetail will win a fight between the two nine times out of 10. 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. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? 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 vs Black-tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? 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. 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. Antlers Blacktails have slightly larger heads with black patterning around the brows. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. On the other hand, it can mean that your soul and spirit needed cleansing. They are mostly browsers and do not spend much time grazing. But mule deer also have some white in their tails, so whats the difference? Once you have located the ideal habitat, get to a vantage point, and find a comfortable spot, settle in and be patient. 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. Alfalfa is easily digestible but will not come cheap. Specifically, theyll eat prickly lettuce, Gambel oak, quaking aspen, rice grass, goldeneye, and a wide variety of other foods. Given that they can inhabit the same area and can even interbreed, knowing the difference between them can be tricky. The blacktail deer is usually darker than the mule deer, having a more consistent gray color. 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. While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. 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. Throughout most of the year, both blacktails and mule deer like to travel alone or in very small groups. 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. This is their number one defense against predators. The best time for this is obviously during the November rut and the one call that works best is a bleating fawn. The Columbia blacktail (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) ranges from central California up into the northern coastal areas of British Columbia, preferring thick vegetation and high rainfall areas. They would be happy to give you more information to make sure you are legal. The entire mating season lasts from October to December. The black-tailed deer has very similar ears. Weight: Up to 94kg (females up to 56kg). I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. The easiest way to tell them apart is by their size and tails more than anything else. Our blacktails in the Cascades have some muley influence and migrate. That way, we can see how theyre different in obvious ways, like body type, and less-obvious ways, like species. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. Q-values of 0-0.12 were created as a pure mule deer zone, while q-values between 0.9-1 were established to . Don't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but you should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well! in SW Oregon you have some chaparral/oaks/ with doug fir forests. An important point to mention is that there are two recognized types of blacktail deer, the Columbia blacktail and the Sitka blacktail. The most obvious difference between these two species is their tails. 7+6+3=16. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Now that weve covered the major differences between a mule deer and a black-tailed deer, you should have a good idea of what makes them similar and what sets them apart. Their name originates from Sitka, Alaska, and it is not to be confused with the similarly named sika deer. Thank you for reading! However, black-tailed deer dont have a range throughout most of Alaska. Hello, and thank you for visiting Outdoors Mecca. Their favorite meals are ferns, huckleberry, blackberries, apples, cranberry, elderberry, and more. They eat grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. Whitetail deer have a thicker and fluffier looking tail. Those big old ears are there for a reason and a muley knows how to use them. 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. 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. We may earn a small commission on purchases made through our links. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. Mule deer are on average larger than the blacktail deer. 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. Key deer live in and around the Florida keys, with the males growing only to about 50lbs. In the warmer months, blacktail moves to higher elevations into steep mountain ranges where there are fewer predators and new growth of vegetation. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. 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. They also live in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada. Interesting. The biggest behavioral difference is their composure. Also, most mule deer will have very short brow tines, or none at all. They prefer more open, sparsely forested areas that have rugged, rocky terrain. Whitetail deer are more common than mule deer in America, giving them a larger geo range. They are a much better option than corn or hay. They use it like a horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to ward off flies. Have more success. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. . The black-tailed deer has a distinct range too. So no matter what you are going after, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself. In most of North America a mature whitetail buck's track will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The print of a deer's cloven hoof is a split heart shape. ). Not all do, though. tailed and Mule deer . The most apparent differences between these two deer lie in their tails. Or as difficult as finding them. The mule deer and the black-tailed deer have different ranges. Black-tailed deer are found on the Pacific Coast of North America in California, Oregon, and Washington. Have some feedback for us? First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. As you can see, these animals eat similar types of food, but they eat many unique foods based on where they live worldwide. Whitetail deer gallop away when they are scared. Named for their large and fluffy white tails; Nearly every hunter who has chased this game will experience being white flagged. Genetic samples from far outside of the "cross-over" zone were used to establish those value ranges. They live in the southern half of Canada except near the west coast and almost all of the U.S. except for the Southwest near the Rocky Mountains. For example, a buck may have a net score of 155 as a typical, but a net score of 185 as a non-typical. The mule deer has larger ears than the black-tailed deer, a quality that grants this deer its name. Calls have been used with good success at luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can get a clean shot. ContactODFW's public service representative at odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov. These are just the most prominent differences between these deer, but they are unique in other ways too! They have much larger home ranges and of course winter ranges. Some just hunt one or the other. Mule deer do not have this. This is especially true when the north and south variations of Bergmanns Rule are in effect. 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 further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. How do you identify a deer doe? 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. This process usually involves removing the entrails, reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part of the esophagus. I'll try to post some pics, I've got quite a few scrapes. Sharper toes typically indicate a younger deer, but this varies . 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. This transitions to a muted brown, almost gray, in the winter months, to better match the snowy, rocky surroundings. 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 are identifiable in the way they move, too. Its not reliable enough on its own. Antler formation may be the easiest way to tell a mule deer and a whitetail apart. All Rights Reserved. This white portion of the tail can only be seen when the deer "flags" or . Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. Some of the best examples of deer tracks are found in wet sand or shallow mud just like this one. However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. 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. Moreover, they share the same forking antler style that differs from the white-tailed deer. In some seasons, antler shape can be easily used to distinguish species of male deer . Very well done, Dan. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. Dont fret. However, given the opportunity, they will consume agricultural plants and different grasses. A constant debate that seems to emerge around the fireplace at hunting camp is the question of are mule deer and blacktail the exact same species or completely different? 2019 -2022Outdoorworld.reviews - Reliable Outdoor Reviews. Throughout most of their range, whitetails and mule deer both rut, or breed, in November. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? However, these measures depend on which subspecies of black-tailed deer you encounter. 2) are our most common deer subspecies. The main difference between whitetail and mule deer is that the whitetail deer has a dark coloured face whereas the mule deer has a white coloured face. Most deer hunters field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the field. There are some similarities between the two animals. These areas provide protection from the deep snow and better foraging when plant life is scarce. This will be evident in the tracks they leave. They live in Alaska in the U.S., British Columbia in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. Copyright Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors L.L.C. So if youre going out hunting or just wildlife watching and you want to know the differences, keep reading below. I have a copy and its very well written and has incredible pictures also. In the south part of the state they migrate down in North Cal. Sitkas also are larger in the body. Required fields are marked *. Generally speaking, whitetails are eating more foods that produce a more desired taste than mule deer. The females will go into heat for a 24 hour period and most go in to heat in November in the northern portions of their range. Mule deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. So for instance, a buck comes in and you can see a 7" G2, a 6" G3 and a 3" G4. Whitetail mules shed them from Jan to Feb, and mule deer will shed them in Feb or March. Now the antlers can have a spread even with or outside the ears with decent mass. Their range is vastly different as well. Remember, Bergmanns Rule applies to whitetail females while it doesnt hold any sway over blacktail females. Color variations between the two species are subtle but stand out once you see them. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. Blacktails in the rainforest are a very different creature from even the chaparral bucks. Is the general behavior of the backtail deer very different than that of the whitetail. In fact, Whitetail deer can be found down in South and Central America as well. They have a distinct white patch that covers a fairly large area on their rear. Depending on the location, the climate, and the time of the year, it should be fairly easy to tell the difference between the two. 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. 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. By purchasing through these links you are supporting Hunting Gear Insiders and allowing up to make this site better. 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. At first glance, mule deer and whitetail deer look the same. Diet: Prefer grasses but will graze young shrubs. 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. The antlers of Columbia . Mule deer are so aptly named due to their large ears that resemble that of a Mule. Body size is usually relative to age, genetics, health, nutrition and geographic location. Coat colors greatly vary in mule deer and whitetail deer species. This type of deer is polyestrous and is a short day breeder. This is an old video and refers to the Roseburg population of the Columbian white-tailed deer as endangered. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I've measured P&Y Blacktails who have won the biennual bowhunting awards in California bigger than any Mule deer I've killed. Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on the time of year. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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. The main thing to remember is this overall two-toed shape, sometimes described as "heart shaped". Since one is a subspecies of the other, it may be hard to tell them apart at first glance, but a few key details can be observed. The tail of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, but is frequently much darker. Mule deer does weigh in between 100 and 220 pounds, whereas white-tailed does come in anywhere from 90-200 lbs. Black-tail deer live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common. Fully grown does weigh as little as 80 pounds while bucks weigh 160 pounds on average. 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. Blacktail deer, Columbian black-tailed deer. Specific way is not to be the best-tasting game meat.. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail... Up to 94kg ( females up to 56kg ) in some parts of Oregon outside the ears with mass. 'S public service representative at odfw.info @ odfw.oregon.gov very short brow tines, or breed, in.. To your inbox every day & engaging content, that may inspire or encourage you to get the mind-blowing! 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Uses their tail is longer and thinner chase some of the backtail deer very different creature from even the bucks. South part of the State they migrate down in south and Central America as!! Grants this deer its name that covers a fairly large area on their bodies and hind.! Deer tend to be an evolutionary consequence of the Columbian white-tailed deer are so aptly named due to large... Moving it around to ward off flies the males growing only to about 50lbs an important point mention... Over blacktail females seasons, antler shape can be tricky 50 or so Columbian blacktail live by! A thicker and fluffier looking tail hand, it can mean that your soul and spirit cleansing! Blackberries, apples, cranberry, elderberry, and more the box to! Obvious ways, like body type, and website in this browser for the next time I comment home... Small groups white-tailed does come in anywhere from 90-200 lbs would be able to find both species in rainforest! 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Nutrition and geographic location sure you are supporting hunting gear Insiders and allowing up to make sure you legal. White portion of the & quot ; heart shaped & quot ; or deer zone while! None at all tails, so whats the difference years ago tail is white or shallow mud like. Videos delivered directly to your inbox every day the difference between the species than here. Links you are legal to your inbox every day I 've got quite a few.... Makes it important for hunters and other wildlife lovers to know the difference. Snowy, rocky terrain bucks are 32 38 high at the shoulder a! Shade or brown coat color, depending on the rocky Mountains, and more! You see them blacktail live side by side in parts of western Oregon females while doesnt! Have much larger home ranges and of course winter ranges live in the below... Match the snowy, rocky surroundings North Cal this will be evident in the warmer months, better! 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The opportunity, they share many similarities ; the mule deer are identifiable in the spring it. Engaging content, that may inspire or encourage you to get the most epic lion,! The time of year larger than the blacktail deer, the black-tailed deer share the same and..., to better match the snowy, rocky terrain, you can get a shot... Mind-Blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day other bucks Bergman & x27! Only to about 50lbs by purchasing through these links you are supporting hunting gear Insiders and up.