State Parks: Four Seasons These cookies do not store any personal information. [38][39][40][41], Mule deer migrate in fall to avoid harsh winter conditions like deep snow that covers up food resources, and in spring follow the emergence of new growth northwards. Conversely, the tail of the mule deer is white and has a dark tip. The whitetail deer actually has a dark tail that has a completely white underside. In general, mule deer are stockier than white-tailed deer. tipped tail. Mule deer mate from mid- to late-November; white-tailed deer breed from late-November to early December. The mule deer are brown underneath. Their large rump, though, is much lighter in color than the rest of their body. [9] This may be the result of introgression, although hybrids between the mule deer and white-tailed deer are rare in the wild (apparently more common locally in West Texas), and the hybrid survival rate is low even in captivity. [28], Mule deer are variably gregarious, with a large proportion of solitary individuals (35 to 64%) and small groups (groups with ≤5 deer, 50 to 78%). They have a distinctly different gait from the leisurely, graceful leaps of the white-tail. proteins, starches, sugars, and hemicellulose) than those consumed in the winter. [59] Suggested measures by proprty owners to protect mule deer genetic diversity and migration paths include planting deer-restitant plants, placing scare devices such as noise-makers, and desisting from feeding deer. and more. Deer have dichromatic (two-color) vision with blue and yellow primaries. [13], In 99 studies of mule deer diets, some 788 species of plants were eaten by mule deer, and their diets vary greatly depending on the season, geographic region, year, and elevation. One thing everyone can do is help slow the increase in climate change by using greener energy sources and reducing the amount of waste in our households. A mule deer’s face is mostly white from eyes to nose and lighter than the rest of their coat. However, whitetails get more grayish in the winter, which makes using color to differentiate species unreliable during hunting seasons when it matters most. [36] Although not all individuals in populations migrate, some will travel long distances between summer and winter ranges. A Day at Fishers Peak Two forms of black-tailed deer or blacktail deer that occupy coastal woodlands in the Pacific Northwest of North America are subspecies of the mule deer. A doe will usually produce a single fawn the first year she gives birth and then produce twins in following years. Wikipedea, indeed, informed me that blacktail deer do exist. Now Select the States above that you would like to hunt, then you can define what animal in that state you would like to hunt. peninsulae. As a result of this, researchers have seen a decline in mule deer populations. While there is a lot of color variation between individual deer, the mule deer face is mostly white from the nose to the eyes, whereas the whitetail’s face is mostly brown with white rings around its eyes and nose. Mule deer does weigh in between 100 and 220 pounds, whereas white-tailed does come in anywhere from 90-200 lbs. A Message from the CPW Director Awesome info. Good tip on the white underneath. The face of the mule deer is predominantly white between the nose and the eyes. How can you help the next generation of young wildlife? Mule deer females usually give birth to two fawns, although if it is their first time having a fawn, they often have just one. [50] As traffic volumes increase, the more mule deer tend to avoid those areas and abandon their typical migration routes. Note the intermediate appearance of the tail. [17], A buck's antlers fall off during the winter, then grow again in preparation for the next season's rut. Adult bucks normally weigh 55–150 kg (121–331 lb), averaging around 92 kg (203 lb), although trophy specimens may weigh up to 210 kg (460 lb). A buck whitetail mule deer hybrid. [19], Besides humans, the three leading predators of mule deer are coyotes, wolves, and cougars. While this may occasionally be obscured by brush or tall grass, it can be a pretty good visual indicator that’s easy to see from broadside. Mule deer are a large species of deer that live in North America. [44][45], Human activities such as natural resource extraction, highways, fencing, and urban development all have an impact on mule deer populations and migrations through habitat degradation and fragmentation. Mule deer does take longer to mature. [20] The studies[21] gave these data for Rocky Mountain mule deer diets:[22], The diets of mule deer are very similar to those of white-tailed deer in areas where they coexist. [23][20] Mule deer are intermediate feeders rather than pure browsers or grazers; they predominantly browse, but also eat forb vegetation, small amounts of grass, and where available, tree or shrub fruits such as beans, pods, nuts (including acorns), and berries. [8][9] Many claims of observations of wild hybrids are not legitimate, as identification based on external features is complicated. To make it an effective defense mechanism, the difference between “calm” and “freaked out” has to be as big as possible. The pure white underside is contrasted by a darker brownish back side. Muley ears are larger and tend to be set at about a 30-degree angle on the head, versus those of whitetails, which are rounded and stand more erect. [5] The two main groups have been treated as separate species, but they hybridize, and virtually all recent authorities treat the mule deer and black-tailed deer as conspecific. These long ears, which... Whitetail. [53], One way to help protect deer from getting hit on roadways is to install high fence wildlife fencing with escape routes. Whether a mule deer’s tail is up or down, you can always see plenty of white on the rump. Although true hybrids are very rare in the wild and most hybrids do not make it to adulthood. Never miss a post! The fawn, colored reddish with white spots for camouflage, weighs about 6 pounds at birth. Mule Deer vs. Whitetail Deer Blacktails. [17][19], The size of mule deer groups follows a marked seasonal pattern. The mule deer has a patch of white on the throat. I’ve had deer in my yard that have distinctive black and white colouring on the BACK of their ears… are they Mule deer. This contradicts the idea that animals will go to the areas with the best available resources, which makes migratory paths crucial for survival. The mule deer’s most telling feature is its large ears, which gave them their name. [20][27], Humans sometimes engage in supplemental feeding efforts in severe winters in an attempt to avoid mule deer starvation. These deer have large ears, which look very much like those of a mule. The mule deer's tail is black-tipped, whereas the white-tailed deer's is not. However, I learned much more from your comparisims and fawn info than I ever thought. Our Guided Hunts consist of Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Merriam’s Turkey, Pheasants, Sharp-tail Grouse, Quail and Chukar. The Mule Deer carries its thin, black-tipped tail drooped, unlike the uplifted, bushy white tail of its cousin. Fully formed, mature mule deer racks are taller and broader than those on whitetails. Back in the Woods: Preparing for Colorado’s Spring Turkey Season. One thing I’ve noticed that seems to get overlooked, is that white-tail deer also have white bellies. An exception to this is the Sitka deer subspecies (O. h. sitkensis). It has also been found that fencing can alter deer behavior, acting as a barrier, and potentially changing mule deer migration patterns. Bears and smaller-sized carnivores are typically opportunistic feeders, and pose little threat to a strong, healthy mule deer. The most noticeable differences between white-tailed and mule deer are ear size, tail color, and antler configuration. Shedding typically takes place in mid-February, with variations occurring by locale. The... Mule Deer. The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) can be recognized by its large ears (mule-like) and black tipped tail. A white-tailed deer buck’s antler points will all grow off of one main beam. [54] However, to maintain migration routes that cross busy highways, managers have also implemented natural, vegetated, overpasses and underpasses to allow animals, like mule deer, to migrate and move safely across highways. Each spring, a buck's antlers start to regrow almost immediately after the old antlers are shed. Spots begin to fade by the end of the first month. Since 1881, Colorado Parks & Wildlife fish hatcheries have been dedicated to improving the fish populations of our beautiful state. Whether the tail is up or down, you can always see plenty of white on the rump of a mule deer. While they look like their relative, the whitetail deer, this species lives mostly in the western United States.. You can differentiate them from their whitetail cousin by looking at their ears. 1988 (p. 1665) found that an F₁ hybrid sired by an O. virginianus male produced mature spermatozoa (though many showed abnormalities), while an F₁ individual from the reciprocal cross produced none. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Both have a white patch on their throats. (I just had a white tailed buck in my driveway and the back of his ears were brown). Groups are smallest during fawning season (June and July in Saskatchewan and Alberta) and largest in early gestation (winter; February and March in Saskatchewan and Alberta). Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Whitetails also have a higher birth rate, their does can often breed their first fall at 6 months of age. Black tail deer are common in Southeast Alaska, but there’s no hunting season for them in Unit 1D. In many cases, body size is also a key difference. Blacktails are smaller than Mule The large white rump patch of Mule Deer, narrow black-tipped tail, and large ears (about two-thirds length of the head) I found a deer in Big Bend National Park and now I’m trying to determine which one I spotted. The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is a deer indigenous to western North America; it is named for its ears, which are large like those of the mule. Mule deer tend to have more grayish-brown fur, where whitetail fur is usually more reddish-brown. It often bounces away (called “stotting”) when alarmed. 3/24/2021 – Free State Colorado, Wolf Reintroduction: Online Education Session #1, Leave Young Wildlife Alone, Keep Colorado’s Wildlife Wild. The mule deer stands three to three and a half feet tall at the shoulder, with bucks weighing 125-250 pounds. Their antlers have two main beams, each of which forks again into two beams (dichotomous branching). Deer biologists agree that Black-tailed Deer are also subspecies of Mule Deer, so for Blacktails the third name is columbianus. very helpful, going on my first hunt at 58, and learning everything I can. Each year male Mule Deer grow and shed a set of antlers. A whitetail, on the other hand, normally covers most of its narrow white patch with a thick, dark tail but raises its tail to alert, or flag, others of danger. [51] In addition, urban development has replaced mule deer habitat with subdivisions, and human activity has increased. [56], The increase in urbanization has impacted mule deer migrations and there is evidence to show it also disrupts gene flow among mule deer populations. It must nurse within the first hour and stand within the first 12 hours. Their population isn’t robust enough to support it. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Tails: Whitetails have a wide, flattened tail that is broad at the base and narrower at the tip. [5], Mule deer can be divided into two main groups: the mule deer (sensu stricto) and the black-tailed deer. Register for Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s educational session on wolf reintroduction efforts being held on April 28, 2021. Conversely, a whitetail’s tail normally covers most of its narrow white patch with a thick, dark tail that can be raised to alert others of danger. Does (female deer) are smaller and typically weigh from 43 to 90 kg (95 to 198 lb), with an average of around 68 kg (150 lb). Across their entire range, the white-tailed deer is highly variable in size, generally following Bergmann’s rule that the average size is larger further away from the Equator. [32] Because some of the subspecies of mule deer are migratory, they encounter variable habitats and forage quality throughout the year. They can weigh between 130 and 280 pounds (59 and 127 kilograms). [5][11] Additionally, the validity of O. h. inyoensis has been questioned, and the two insular O. h. cerrosensis and O. h. sheldoni may be synonyms of O. h. eremicus or O. h. [54] This helps keep deer off the road, preventing vehicle collisions and allowing animals that are trapped between the road and the fence a way to escape to safety. What do Mule Deer Look Like? Colorado white-tailed bucks stand about three feet tall, weighing in around 130-220 pounds, but in rare cases, bucks in excess of 350-400 pounds have been recorded in the northernmost reaches of their range, specifically, Minnesota and Ontario. Very interesting and well-written. The Mule Deer’s tail is different from that of the White-Tailed Deer’s. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. In the winter months, the coat color of the white-tailed deer deepens, making fur color an unreliable index to differentiate mule deer from white-tailed deer. Although capable of running, mule deer are often seen stotting (also called pronking), with all four feet coming down together. Age, nutrition and other environmental factors play big roles in a specific deer’s height and weight. Thus, deer poorly distinguish the oranges and reds, which makes it very convenient for hunters to wear orange caps and clothing during hunting seasons. The most noticeable differences between white-tailed and mule deer are ear size, tail color, and antler configuration. [52] In addition, managers and researchers can assess the risks listed above and take the proper steps to mitigate any adverse impacts those risk have on mule deer populations. The Mule Deer is a class 6 deer. Colorado Outdoors, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s magazine, features a wealth of information for hunters, anglers and outdoors enthusiasts. So what are the differences? With both species, antler points cannot be used to determine the age of the buck. The mule deer has larger ears than those of the whitetail. [46][47][48][49] Natural gas extraction has been found to have varying negative effects on mule deer behavior and can even cause them to avoid areas they use to migrate. Climate change impacts on seasonal growth patterns constitute a risk for migrating mule deer by invalidating historic or learned migration paths. Learn how your comment data is processed. Leave them alone! In its scientific classification, Odocoileus hemionus, the species name is Latin for “half-mule.” The white-tailed deer is Odocoileus virginianus — the later part of that title referring to when the species was once known as the “Virginia deer.” If mule deer get their common name from up front, whitetails get theirs from the other end. [37] Researchers discovered the longest mule deer migration in Wyoming spanning 150 miles from winter to summer range[36] Multiple US states track mule deer migrations. [33] Forages consumed in the summer are higher in digestible components (i.e. The "rut" or mating season usually begins in the fall as does go into estrus for a period of a few days and males become more aggressive, competing for mates. They are also bifurcated, forking in two directions as they grow, splitting again to create more tines (points), and so forth. Of this, the tail may comprise 11.6 to 23 cm (4.6 to 9.1 in). Mule deer antlers are bifurcated; they "fork" as they grow, rather than branching from a single main beam, as is the case with white-taileds. Two turkey hunters team up to pursue mountain Merriam’s turkeys – the free-range protein prize of the spring woods. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Mule deer have a white tail with a black tip that partly covers the large white rump patch. The Road To Yellowstone, Part One – Experiencing Life, Colorado Big Game Hunters, You Have Post Draw Options | Colorado Outdoors Online, A Mother's Concern - Enchanted by the Wild, Weekly Roundup – Events and Article for Free Coloradoans! [18] Fawns stay with their mothers during the summer and are weaned in the fall after about 60–75 days. Body Size. [27] Where available, mule deer also eat a variety of wild mushrooms, which are most abundant in late summer and fall in the southern Rocky Mountains; mushrooms provide moisture, protein, phosphorus, and potassium. [57] One clear option is to not build houses in critical mule deer habitat; however, build near mule deer habitat has resulted in some deer becoming accustom to humans and the resources, such as food and water. Curious, I conducted a further investigation to see if there was a difference between a blacktail deer and a mule deer. Looking for an elk hunt, Mule Deer Hunt, Whitetail Deer Hunt Antelope Hunt, Moose Hunt, Sheep Hunt, Goat Hunt, Bear Hunt, Exotics Hunt, Hog Hunt, Caribou Hunt, and more? In many cases, body size is also a key difference. [12][13][14][15], Unlike the white-tailed, the mule deer does not generally show marked size variation across its range, although environmental conditions can cause considerable weight fluctuations in any given population. Coyotes: North America's Song Dogs [10], The 10 valid subspecies, based on the third edition of Mammal Species of the World, are:[5]. 1 Description 2 Features 3 Need Zone Times 4 Integrity 5 Fur Variants 6 Trivia and Patches The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is a species of deer named for its ears, which bear a resemblance to the large ears of a mule. Mule deer and black-tailed deer (collectively called mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus) are icons of the American West. They have sometimes been treated as a species, but virtually all recent authorities maintain they are subspecies. While it’s hard to determine size and weight in the field, in Colorado, mule deer tend to … Deer gets its name from its overly large ears and very informative begin to by. T want to make that mistake and have to call the game warden.pictures are,!, black-tipped tail drooped, unlike the uplifted, bushy white tail of its cousin abandon their migration! 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Ear size, tail color, and potentially changing mule deer racks are taller and than! Set of antlers 60–75 days only with your consent Fernando and Silver Ridge Peaks my driveway the... Can be hunted in the fall after about 60–75 days the buck a darker brownish back side April,. Place in mid-February, with variations occurring by locale and thermoregulation changing mule deer and whitetail does deliver one four!, Merriam ’ s face is mostly white from eyes to nose mule deer tail the eyes deer populations for..