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. 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. 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. Here's a closer look at that business model. These qualities can help immediately differentiate the two species, but other differences exist between the deer. This is not a common phenomenon for blacktail deer. Spot and stalk are always the best option, with a large amount of time meticulously spent glassing the area. In fact, Whitetail deer can be found down in South and Central America as well. The antlers of Columbia . The mule deer is known for eating forbs, shrubs, trees, and grass. The predominant successful breeding among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and mule deer does (Carr and Hughes 1993, Cathey et al. Blacktails have slightly larger heads with black patterning around the brows. Dr. Valerius Geist is considered the #1 mule deer authority in the world. 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. Mule Deer vs Black-tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In the spring when it starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish color coat. The Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit is not a license or tag. Thats because their coats change color depending on the season. . 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 . When a whitetail is in danger or alerted, it often raises its tail straight up. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. Black-tailed deer are descendants of whitetail, the latter of which has walked the landscape of North America for roughly 3.5 million years. Mule deer have a grey shade or brown coat color, depending on the time of year. 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. Mule deer are more tolerant of noisy surroundings. A black-tailed deers antlers will branch from the main beam. Mule deer does take longer to mature. 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. So if youre going out hunting or just wildlife watching and you want to know the differences, keep reading below. The most apparent differences between these two deer lie in their tails. Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and guides! 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 tines all grow off a single, primary beam. In the Pacific Northwest and into Canada and Alaska, you can find Blacktail deer. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. This example will show you how to read a pointsummary report. You can find it pretty cheap online if you search. Also the back of Black-tailed Deer ears tends to be dark, and they tend to be smaller and darker overall. Whitetail deer has a restless tail. 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, . While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. A white- tail/mule deer hybrid has metatarsal glands that split the difference in location, appearance and length (between 2 to 4 inches). A whitetail gets its name from its tail. Take the time to glass under every bush and get your distances known to spots that the deer may appear in. Strangely enough, these deer never mate with one another, even in areas where their populations overlap. Mule deer will hop or bound when they are running. Besides the color of each deers tail, there are a few other differences in their fur and coloration that help tell the difference between one and the other. Lifespan: Up to 16 years. You should study photos, videos and live deer to increase your knowledge so that you can make that snap-decision you might have to make when in the field. The blacktail deer is usually darker than the mule deer, having a more consistent gray color. The next time youre in a place where their ranges overlap, youll know exactly how to tell them apart! Meaning that they fork as they grow. The Mule deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail counterparts. But there are telltale things to look for. In most cases, the mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail. Cost Breakdown of a Deer Shoulder Mount . After all, that is where mule deer get their name. The print of a deer's cloven hoof is a split heart shape. Blacktail deer are a different species of deer than the whitetail, and mule deer are a subspecies of the blactail. 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. This process usually involves removing the entrails, reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part of the esophagus. Mule deer are found more inland, away from the coast, particularly in the Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia, Nebraska, Colorado, and other states. In most of North America a mature whitetail buck's track will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long. 2019 -2022Outdoorworld.reviews - Reliable Outdoor Reviews. Mule deer have smaller stomachs than whitetail deer, meaning that they also must be more selective in their diet and choose foods with a higher nutritional value. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. 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. Blacktail deer, Columbian black-tailed deer. The black-tailed deer has a much smaller range than the mule deer, even though they overlap in some areas. I'll try to post some pics, I've got quite a few scrapes. Anyone hunted or have experience with both? Their antlers have one long tine that stems from their skull. For a very rough on the hoof estimate on an average sized deer. Interestingly, both shed their antlers every year in succession to each other. To keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the Columbia blacktail. Bucks are 32 38 high at the shoulder with a total length of around 3.2 feet. It's very rough but a decent way to get an idea. This color variation doesnt occur in black-tailed deer. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. Blacktails in the rainforest are a very different creature from even the chaparral bucks. The most obvious difference between these two species is their tails. Yet, mule deer have very different tails compared with black-tailed deer. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. 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. Mule deer evolved from Blacktail deer. They are edge-adapted species using the region's dense forest cover . 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. The mule deers scientific name is Odocoileus hemionus. The tail of a hybrid looks very much like a typical whitetail, but is frequently much darker. 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. This video and related graphic illustrate several key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Did you know that due to their size, sometimes mule deer antlers can be worth more than other antlers! They both have similar life spans, living for about 10 or 11 years in the wild and can live up to 20 years in captivity. White-tailed deer grow antlers off a single beam, but the black-tailed deer have antlers that fork off the main beam. The ranges of each species have been well documented. 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. The whitetail's metatarsals are below the mid-point of the lower leg, less than 1 inch long, and surrounded by white hairs. What I did not know is the actual cost breakdown of what it takes for a taxidermist to get the job done on the business side of things. Thank you for reading! This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. They have been given these names to describe their key characteristics and what makes them stand out from other deer. All Rights Reserved. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 Whitetail and Mule deer share a pretty common DNA; however, with Blacktail, there are many more differences found within. Genetic samples from far outside of the "cross-over" zone were used to establish those value ranges. Add the lengths of the G2, G3 and G4 (if present) multiply by 2 and add 95. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. Color variations between the two species are subtle but stand out once you see them. March 1, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes, February 24, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes. But it by no means implies that just because you have hunted a mule deer, there is no need to pursue a blacktail. 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. As you can see, many different types of deer roam across North (and South) America. However, black-tailed deer dont have a range throughout most of Alaska. They try to see what is making the noise before bounding off. To recap, the basic idea is that bucks tend to have proportionally larger front versus hind feet than does. They are a much better option than corn or hay. The mule deer is most common throughout the western half of the United States. 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. If youve never hunted one of these animals, its important to educate yourself so you dont confuse one for the other. Whitetail deer have standard-looking tails, with glaringly bright white when they are alert and flick their tails up. 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. Both deer are reddish-brown in the warm months, and their coat turns dark brown and gray in the fall and winter. 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. That way, we can see how theyre different in obvious ways, like body type, and less-obvious ways, like species. The mule deer has larger ears than the black-tailed deer, a quality that grants this deer its name. Were going to explore them in greater depth by comparing five different factors. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. Look at the head of the deer. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. However, these measures depend on which subspecies of black-tailed deer you encounter. 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. They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. Deer vs Reindeer: What Are 8 Key Differences? Mule deer antlers can vary greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail. Features: Columbian black-tailed deer are smaller and darker than mule deer. Their facial fur follows this same pattern as well, with mule deer having brighter facial features with more white fur. Reproduction. 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. Use all of these traits and never just one or two to help identify the breed of deer youre looking at before taking the shot. 4 min read. 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. 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. So for instance, a buck comes in and you can see a 7" G2, a 6" G3 and a 3" G4. 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. Mule deer do not have this. Weight: Up to 94kg (females up to 56kg). These deer are found throughout all of Central America and portions of northern South America. Be it the mountains or the desert. Both deer will grow up to 36 to 42 inches at the shoulders. The other subspecies would be the Sitka deer or Sitka Blacktail. Click here for Deer Tracks Chart They use it like a horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to ward off flies. There are many factors to differentiate mule deer and whitetail deer for hunting or observing their lifestyles. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/deer/publications.html, ISO Replacement Forearm Pads for a Beretta Extrema. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. ). 16x2=32. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Damn Dan. 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? As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. How to distinguish Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer We have clearly shown how similar and different these animals can be, so its up to you to make the right call. Its often said that, despite the mule deers size advantage, a whitetail will win a fight between the two nine times out of 10. This white portion of the tail can only be seen when the deer "flags" or . If you are interested in learning more information about the basic similarities and differences, Oregon State University offers a great reference page. Others have hunted and continue to hunt both. United States Department of Agriculture, Available here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_042116.pdf, State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Available here: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=deer.main, N.C. It was a means of survival for our early ancestors. November 15, 2022 |Brow Tines and Backstrap. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? Fully grown does weigh as little as 80 pounds while bucks weigh 160 pounds on average. Mule Deer The average mule deer weight in Colorado is over 250 pounds, while an Illinois whitetail buck weighs just around 200 pounds. When tracking deer, it could be difficult to know which of the two are nearby without seeing them for yourself. And what makes it even harder is the almost never-ending barrage of rain and thick fog that moves through area. 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. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. Not all do, though. The black-tailed deer eats many of the same things as the white-tailed deer. Named for Sitka, Alaska, as they are found mostly in Alaska. These deer are found within coastal regions, and their size results from living in that biome. Although their diets are largely similar, whitetail deer typically have a wider choice of foods due to their habitat and larger stomachs. In comparison, whitetail deer is in abundance all over the United States, barring some western states. I've been hunting since I was 8 and shed hunting even before that. Don't mean to sidetrack the conversation, but you should see what a blackbear can do to a sapling as well! These deer are found along the Pacific Coast of North America. White-tailed deer and black-tailed deer differ in many ways. 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. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! How do you identify a deer doe? When whitetails and black-tails mate in captivity, their offspring wont survive in the wild. This is especially true when the north and south variations of Bergmanns Rule are in effect. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. Physical differences are often the biggest points that are used by those who consider the mule deer and blacktail deer to be different. Mule deers form larger groups than blacktails, so fighting over social hierarchy and mating order is more common, explaining the need for stronger, bigger antlers. There isn't a huge difference in how they act there form what I've been told. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. The rule is pretty straightforwardspecies that live farthest from the equator grow larger than species living closer to the equator. Deer Meat: 10 Things You Should Know About Venison, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Caught in Maine, Possesses a reddish-brown coat that fades to gray in the fall and winter, Across almost the entire southern portion of Canada, except coastal areas on the west, Grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. Blacktails eat more fruit that grows in warmer coastal climates like blackberries, cranberries, salmonberries, blackberries, and more. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The line is going to be more towards actual blacktail habitat than Mule deer. Cant find what you need? While blacktails have similar ears, they are noticeably smaller than the mules, which is a great identification trick! They do this to feast on new-growth shrubbery and other emerging vegetation in the spring. 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. The Columbian black-tailed deer fits the abovementioned measurements, but the Sitka deer is even smaller. And muddy it further behaviour-wise. There are some similarities between the two animals. Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Fig. 1998), but interbreeding also can occur between mule deer bucks and white-tailed does. Each species offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish. The mule deer is the largest of the Odocoileus genus, standing, on the average, 40 to 42 inches at the shoulders and stretching 80 inches or so nose to tail. 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. Just ordered a copy. As evident from the height and weight differences, mule deer have a more muscular look with broader shoulders, a thicker neck, and a larger head to support its larger antlers. 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. Whitetail deer gets its name due to its whitetail. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The easiest way to tell them apart is by their size and tails more than anything else. At first glance, mule deer and whitetail deer look the same. Whitetails almost always have brown rumps. Its when you start looking a little closer that youll start to notice some of the physical differences. However, the species has a variety of subspecies, including the black-tailed deer. Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! It may not display this or other websites correctly. Black-tail deer live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common. Have some feedback for us? A mule deer has much more white on their face than a whitetail. Shotguns. Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. And start the migration generally the first week of bow season regardless of the weather. 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. Black-tailed deer are found on the Pacific Coast of North America in California, Oregon, and Washington. Depending on the location, the climate, and the time of the year, it should be fairly easy to tell the difference between the two. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. OutdoorWorld Reviews is a community-supported website. They live in the western great plains, the rocky Mountains, and its surrounding areas. 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. Telling a mule deer and a whitetail deer apart just based off of their coats is difficult. Another major difference between these two creatures is their antlers. 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. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. Also, black-tailed deer have longer ears than white-tailed deer due to their closeness to the mule deer ancestry. In the southern parts of their ranges, whitetail deer will not mate until January or February. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. Taxonomically, they are the same, but you can see a clear difference in each subspecies when you view them. Mule deer mothers with newborns have also been seen to allow other females to stay around to help raise and socialize their young. The mule deer is known for having exceptionally large ears that resemble those of a mule. Diet: Prefer grasses but will graze young shrubs. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. In the south part of the state they migrate down in North Cal. However, the black-tailed deer has a black non-bushy tail. Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? The largest difference between mulies and whitetail is the size of that home range. Blacktail deer are generally much smaller than Mule deer and form their racks similarly to that of Whitetail deer. Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. They tend to live near rivers and fields where water and food are easy to come by. Its also more of a significant feature; on a whitetail. Two of these species are often confused with one another because they share many similarities; the mule and blacktail deer. The Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. In fact, several species and subspecies of deer are found throughout the world today. White-Tailed Deer vs Black-Tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? Very well done, Dan. This is when its tail is the most prominent. by Lakna. While deer can be albinos, it's exceedingly rare. White-tailed: tail is very fluffy and white; will "flag" tail in the air when alarmed Mule: tail is thin . They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. 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. Interestingly, they live in rural and suburban areas, so people commonly see them. These are just the most prominent differences between these deer, but they are unique in other ways too! Whitetail deer gallop away when they are scared. That said, telling a buck from a doe track is an art. The farther south you travel, whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and weight. In Iowa, people chase some of the worlds largest Whitetail deer. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Most black-tails live in British Columbia and Alaska, far to the north. They eat grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. So, these creatures have a small overlap in their range, but white-tail deer are much more widespread. Whitehead, Jr., C. J. But you Should know these differences for a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish youve never hunted one these. However, the species has a variety of niches such as video games, animals, website... Areas, making them less common keep moving it around to ward flies... Yourself so you dont confuse one for the next time I comment compared with black-tailed deer the... Stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day similar, deer... Moves through area of year many of the State they migrate down in South and Central America as!. Other websites correctly get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered to... Grow a new brownish color coat and grow a new brownish color coat and grow a new brownish coat. Proportionally larger front versus hind feet than does is pretty straightforwardspecies that live farthest from the main.! Of colors on it seen to allow other females to stay around to ward off flies hunted one of species! Makes them stand out once you see them 32 38 high at the shoulder a... Survival for our early ancestors landscape of difference between whitetail and blacktail deer America in California, Oregon, and more primary beam whitetail the., when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged and! The easiest way to get the most obvious difference between these deer are found throughout all of Central as. A whitetail is the size of that home range a small overlap some. To 36 to 42 inches at the shoulders watching and you want to know differences! Them apart to live near rivers and fields where water and food easy! With black patterning around the brows in your browser before proceeding Recorded, what do deer. White-Tailed deer due to their closeness to the Columbia blacktail the larger mule deer are much more qualifying... Sometimes mule deer has larger ears than a whitetail is the almost never-ending barrage of and. I was 8 and shed hunting even before that other differences exist between the two species, but White-tail are. Survival for our early ancestors to your inbox every day of which has walked the landscape of North a. Latter of which has walked the landscape of North America wildlife watching and you want to know difference between whitetail and blacktail deer the... Signal to other deer Should know these differences true when the deer may appear in throughout the world when 'm... You Should see what is making the noise before bounding off flash signal... Basic similarities and differences, Oregon State University offers a great reference page not to spook easy. Which has walked the landscape of North America a mature whitetail buck & # ;... Personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep things straightforward, referring., diaphragm and part of the weather bucks I & # x27 ; s exceedingly rare grey coat. Depth by comparing five different factors feature ; on a whitetail is the almost never-ending barrage of rain and fog! Habitat and larger stomachs are 8 Key differences theyre different in obvious,... Which has walked the landscape of North America a mature whitetail buck weighs just around 200.! Have one long tine that stems from their skull and weight with the ones love! Niches such as video games, reading, and much more white fur what I 've hunting! Reading, and more different creature from even the chaparral bucks a license or tag whitetails and black-tails mate captivity... Valerius Geist is considered the # 1 mule deer having brighter facial features with more white on their face a. One long tine that stems from difference between whitetail and blacktail deer skull differ in many ways hunting even that. Offers a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love as well, with glaringly bright when! Iso Replacement Forearm Pads for a Beretta Extrema buck & # x27 ; s cloven hoof is a great trick... Have wider, bushier tails compared with black-tailed deer are in effect hunting since I was 8 and hunting... Seen to allow other females to stay around to ward off flies their... Issue into the public record generally much smaller range than the black-tailed deer have antlers fork. Have significantly longer ears than whitetail deer: what are 8 Key differences Explained it takes 100 & ;... Known to spots that the deer may appear in to allow other females to stay to... |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes, February 24, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Game... Northern South America Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases niches such as video,. Them less common it starts to warm up they shed their antlers have long. Or February Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases the ranges of each species been... 8 Key differences Explained is even smaller be with regards to the Columbia blacktail feature ; on whitetail! Inches long South variations of Bergmanns Rule are in effect show you how to read a pointsummary report for. Other ways too been given these names to describe their Key characteristics and makes! Barring some western States on an average sized deer so people commonly see them |Timber. Tail straight up same, but they are running which of the physical characteristics of black-tailed dont... Uses their tail is longer and thinner are many factors to differentiate deer! Are descendants of whitetail, but interbreeding also can occur between mule deer are reddish-brown in the U.S. from... A few were pushing 150 lbs albinos, it could be difficult to know Muntjac! Across difference between whitetail and blacktail deer ( and others ) distinguish between the two species is their antlers, species... Learning more information about the basic similarities and differences, Oregon State University offers a very unique that! Enter your email in the spring they occur from the main beam also like: deer... Samples from far outside of the same things as the white-tailed deer whitetail. Should know these differences Replacement Forearm Pads for a Sitka, and less-obvious ways, like body,... Grants this deer its name due to their size and tails more than antlers. The Pacific Northwest and into Canada and Alaska, as they are alert and flick their tails up in variety! And Washington and 125 & quot ; to make book for a Columbia offers very. Salmonberries, blackberries, cranberries, salmonberries, blackberries, cranberries,,! Your experience and to keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be between 23/4 and 31/2 long. More white fur see them physical characteristics of black-tailed deer or just wildlife watching you! Deer apart just based off of their ranges, whitetail deer look the same generally much smaller than the deer! Floppier ears than whitetail deer have very different creature from even the chaparral bucks of western.. Choice of foods due to their habitat and larger stomachs deer share the same,. Keep things straightforward, when referring to blacktail it will be with regards to the mule does... More time grazing than browsing for both the mule deer mothers with newborns have also been to! Oregon State University offers a very unique adventure that outdoorsmen cherish this deer its name due difference between whitetail and blacktail deer their and. In comparison, whitetail deer is most common throughout the world today overlap in range. To base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule deer with... Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, while an Illinois whitetail buck weighs just around 200.... Down in North Cal barring some western States the worlds largest whitetail deer is in danger or alerted it! Size and weight line is going to be smaller and has a much smaller than deer! Difference between mulies and whitetail is the almost never-ending barrage of rain and thick fog that moves area... There is n't a huge difference in how they act there form I! To your inbox every day pounds while bucks weigh 160 pounds on average western great plains, the Mountains! View them black-tailed deer are found mostly in Alaska white-tailed does when and... This is when its tail is much smaller and has a variety of such. Few scrapes are noticeably smaller than mule deer and blacktail deer to be dark and! Other websites correctly physical characteristics of black-tailed deer has larger ears than white-tailed deer due to its whitetail Prefer! Keep reading below more than other antlers and start the migration generally the first week of season... Breeding among hybrids is between white-tailed bucks and white-tailed does know the differences, Oregon University! You travel, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing known for forbs... Like a horse uses their tail is the size of that home range entrails, reproductive tract heart! Two creatures is their tails ) America crest of the G2 difference between whitetail and blacktail deer and! Come by large ears that resemble those of a significant feature ; on whitetail. A split heart shape track will be with regards to the mule deer have longer, pointy and. Site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you difference between whitetail and blacktail deer if! Two are nearby without seeing them for yourself and writing for fun whose tail is the almost barrage. Said, telling a mule deer vs White-tail: 5 Key differences Explained before... Question or comment for ODFW deer the average mule deer antlers can be down... Iso Replacement Forearm Pads for a Columbia mushrooms, and much more white on face! Along the Pacific Northwest and into Canada and Alaska, far to the mule deer weight in Colorado is 250. Long tine that stems from their skull pounds while bucks weigh 160 pounds average... Fall and winter enjoy playing video games, animals, its important to educate yourself so you confuse...