These maps are from deerfamily.com and mt.gov. Its cousin, the mule deer, resembles the whitetail, and in some regions the two species share the same habitat. In general, whitetail have a greyish brown coat, so does the mule deer, but they are slightly different colors. 4. The muley is frequently found in consort. You should be aware, though, that whitetail fur can become quite grayish in the winter too, so you shouldn’t try to use color as a basis for distinguishing between the two species. They will later split once more to make a greater number of tines, or the points. You can see how this would also help whitetail out-breed mule deer. However, whitetails get more grayish in the winter, which makes using color to differentiate species unreliable during hunting seasons when it matters most. Pretty much, if the tail is up, and you see white on the underside you are looking at a White-tailed deer. The mule deer generally has fur that is grayish-brown in tone. In the north 1/2 of the country, every form of deer habitat, including nearly every native grass planting, is at it's best. It is worth saying that coat colors will vary depending on location, genetics, and other unknown factors. © Copyright 2020 WorldDeer.org. When mule deer run, they tend to bound in a kind of hopping motion, with stiff legs. Subsequently, mule deer numbers have historically fluctuated, primarily in response to climatic and habitat condit… Both whitetail and mule deer females can birth between one and four fawns every season. I have hunted whitetail for my whole life and every now and then I will see deer with more blonde or more red coats, so these rules do not hold up 100% of the time. A whitetail deer can easily spend its life inside a square mile. The whitetail deer normally has a tail that is dark in color and quite thick. You now know that they occupy different regions of North America and respond very differently to threats. This is why the animals have a difficult time perceiving reds and oranges. Describe an ideal habitat for Mule Deer. Though they share a lot of similarities, you can notice plenty of minute differences in their appearance, their behavior, and the geographic locations they occupy. I got this evolutionary information from a really awesome article by Meat Eater that you can check out here. Herbivore. White Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the most vigorous and well-distributed wild ungulate in North America.Sometimes referred to as Virginia Deer or simply Whitetail, this deer can be found throughout North, central, and south America, and other locations around the world. You’ll notice that there are very obvious physical differences between a whitetail deer and a mule deer when you look close enough. Mule deer are a large species of deer that live in North America. Whitetails gallop rather than hop. Both of these options keep us from moving around too much and whitetail seeing us. They have the instincts to dart away and also hop, but they wind up jumping around in confusion and not really going anywhere. Black-tailed deer are also found in the West, but they are actually a subspecies of mule deer. Mark Kenyon Topics. Their faces look much like whitetail faces, with near-identical markings. If I'm not outdoors, I am probably studying for my next big test, hanging out with my friends and family, or I am making content for the community around this blog. Despite all the differences across the country, there are actually only 2 species of deer in the U.S.: white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Food sources are several times what deer need during the Spring and Summer months, and adequate fawning cover is in high supply. The terrain on a hunt can range from open flats, farm fields, river bottoms, forests and canyons. Habitat and Habits. However, whitetail and mule deer do overlap sometimes, whether because whitetail deer are encroaching into historic mule deer habitat or they just exist in an area where they have long intermixed. There is an obvious physical distinction between mule deer vs. whitetail deer, but how do you properly scout and hunt each species? It has a narrow patch of bright white beneath this. It is just a two-week difference but this actually leads to higher birth rates for the overall population of whitetails. The same as with mule deer, you cannot use the number of antler points to ascertain a buck’s age. Omega Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Mule deer behave much differently than whitetails. They have to travel so much that they are considered to migrate further than any other animal in the lower 48.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'omegaoutdoors_blog-leader-1','ezslot_4',113,'0','0'])); Whitetail are typically fairly skittish animals. As mentioned in the previous section, though, their fur does become a bit grayish during the winter months. These deer have large ears, which look very much like those of a mule. We can see their physical differences like the coloration in their faces or rear, along with the different formation of antlers in bucks, but we also know about how their behavior differs. In some areas, including northern regions, bucks can be as heavy as 450 pounds. Both shed their antlers annually. So the mule deer soon took over and dominated the area. Also, mule deer tend to be much more laid back and less jittery. They are grazers that feed off of hundreds of different plants. About two and a half miles apart is a good water source distribution for mule deer, while white-tailed deer can gain the most benefits from one permanent water source per square mile. Generally, mule deer have larger antlers than whitetail do. Whitetail grow their antlers very differently. Its ears sit at approximately a 30-degree angle on the animal’s head. Mule deer have bifurcated antlers, which means they fork off the main beam. Mule deer also have a dark forehead. Ironically, the mule deer has more white on its back end than the whitetail deer does. Whitetails don't do that. link to Does Barometric Pressure Really Affect Whitetail Deer Movement. Whitetail deer have a higher birth rate than mule deer. We also found out that a new whitetail-mule deer hybrid species is sadly never going to exist, and that is probably because mule deer are already a hybrid of whitetails with blacktail deer. They are similar in size but ears, face, antler configuration, running (gait) etc. 2. Mule deer usually weigh between 100 and 220 pounds. Of course, hunting pressure is zero. Whereas white-tailed deer cover nearly the entire North American Continent, and parts of South America as well. Mule deer, on the other hand, have a rap for being much more laid back and accepting of hunting pressure. It also requires effective methods for monitoring populations and habitats as well as for manipulating deer numbers or habitat factors to meet diverse social and economic objectives. Thomas Ranch hunts private property only for both mule deer and whitetail deer. My goal is to teach every single one of my readers something new in every piece of content I make. 4. Coues’ whitetails in New Mexico are smaller than mule deer and have a delicate appearance. Size also generally depends on where the deer is located. In the Southwest there were complaints 20 years ago that mule deer were taking over whitetail habitat. Whitetail deer raise their tails (showing the white) and run as fast as they can when they are startled. The mule deer rut also occurs during their migration. This should provide a complete whitetail deer vs mule deer comparison. White-tailed deer have a dark colored rump, until they raise their tail up in alarm. It’s crucial that hunters understand this difference, so they can hunt the specific animal they want and keep in line with any laws and regulations in their area. This is why Florida whitetail deer are much smaller than the Canadian giants. It is because the similarities exhibited between them, they share the same generic name. Another distinguishing factor is their antlers. Furthermore, we’ll consider distinctions between both male and female deer, where the different species are found in the world, as well as some of the unique characteristics of each species. Whitetail Deer Whitetail Habitat Management on a Budget with Small Property Focal Points. Also, where the Eastern whitetail would run himself to … However, between 1935 and 1955 there were more mule deerin the West than at any time since. Of course, these deer have preferences due to their locations, so whitetail may prefer acorns while mule deer may prefer sage bush.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'omegaoutdoors_blog-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',114,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'omegaoutdoors_blog-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',114,'0','1'])); The two species have slightly different reproductive processes. “Hollowed toothed” refers to the structure of the mule deer’s molars, while “half-ass” references its large ears, which are reminiscent of a mule or donkey.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'omegaoutdoors_blog-box-4','ezslot_2',110,'0','0'])); Another key aspect of each species are their antlers. The most numerous and widespread deer species is the highly adaptable white-tailed deer, which lives across much of North America, from urban environments to remote wilderness areas. While they both look similar, there are certain aspects of their appearance that will be easy to pick out once you know what you are looking for. White-tailed deer will out compete mule deer for available resources (food, shelter) in most habitat types. They just tuck tail (or, raise tail, rather) and run for the hills. Meanwhile, whitetail antlers only branch out from a singular beam. Antlers on the male primarily consist of a main beam with tines growing from it. Mule deer evolved in much more open country than whitetails, and natural selection dictated that mule deer bucks with large antlers could attract more females from further away. Although bucks may travel outside this distance during the rut. Video taken on November 19, 2010. White-tailed deer are slightly smaller than mule deer, but larger than Sitka black-tailed deer. 1. The tops of their bushy tails are also brown until they raise them up. When running, muleys have a stiff-legged, bounding hop that whitetails do not have. This is different than the running movement of whitetail deer, which we will discuss later. Aside from that outfitters look close to the same. The mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, caribou and moose. In some areas, male mule deer are bigger than whitetail deer. Due to the amount they move and their decreasing numbers it can be harder for mule deer to find and successfully mate a doe. While some of this information got into the trivia category, being able to tell the difference between these two deer will keep you out of trouble with the game warden if you are hunting areas that have both. Whitetail Deer vs Mule Deer. A mule deer can stand as high as between three and three and a half feet tall when measured from its shoulder. The face of the mule deer is predominantly white between the nose and the eyes. These deer have large ears, which look very much like those of a mule. Although in locations where whitetail and mule deer ranges overlap, mule deer tend to be slightly larger.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'omegaoutdoors_blog-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',112,'0','0'])); Deer in general follow Bergmann’s rule, which states that animals farther away from the equator will grow bigger than those close to it. I love hunting whitetail, ducks, and turkey, but most of all I love to learn. How many species of deer are there in North America? The whitetail is usually protected and often hidden by trees or brush. While they look like their relative, the whitetail deer, this species lives mostly in the western United States. You’ll notice that there are very obvious physical differences between a whitetail deer and a mule deer when you look close enough. After that, she will usually have two fawns at a time. The mule deer has larger ears than those of the whitetail. I am a college student and avid outdoorsmen in the great state of Georgia. White-tailed Deer Wildlife Profiles—North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Q&A 1. Another distinguishing factor is their antlers. Even after just six month of life, female whitetail deer are often able to breed. Today, the lower density desert mule deer herds are allowing the Coues’ whitetail to use valley and desert grassland habitat formerly considered mule deer country. many as 11 subspecies of mule deer and 30 subspecies of white-tailed deer described – all of these subspecies belong to two recognized species of deer in the West; mule deer and white-tailed deer. Mule deer are a large species of deer that live in North America. For instance, in Colorado, mule deer are usually rather larger and heavier than whitetail deer. Texas is a whitetail state, but the deserts and mountains of Far West Texas are mule deer habitat. Conditions are harsh and the population fluctuates widely depending on rainfall. A mule deer’s diet is usually composed of weeds, leaves, and twigs. In the north 1/2 of the country, every form of deer habitat, including nearly every native grass planting, is at it's best. Gait. Unlike the whitetail, mule deer do not have bushy tails, their tails are almost rope-like and thin and are not used as a danger signal like whitetail tails are.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'omegaoutdoors_blog-banner-1','ezslot_12',111,'0','0'])); Whitetail deer have a brown rear end with white coming up from their bellies and legs. Male White-Tailed Deer Female White-Tailed Deer White-Tailed Deer. Maximum antler size occurs between 5–7 years of age. All content produced is strictly the opinion of the author. They occupy the same habitats, have similar food preferences (they are almost identical), and habitat preferences are similar. The reason for this is their diets and the climates they live in. Mule Deer and Whitetail Deer are closely related cousins sharing the same generic name. This particular mammal can live up to 11 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity. The gestation period for whitetail deer lasts six and a half months. Mule deer, on the other hand, have only existed for around 10,000 years. It has a larger area of white above their tail. Archery Archery opportunities are available. Following the ice age, these deer suddenly had fewer predators and were able to expand outside of their normal home ranges. 2. However, between 1935 and 1955 there were more mule deerin the West than at any time since. Ironically, the mule deer has more white on its back end than the whitetail deer does. 2. Their antlers fork into two off the main beam, continue to grow, and then fork into two again. Their “hopping” is the classic fleeing mechanism that people picture when thinking of mule deer. Oregon might be one of the next states to see high numbers of whitetails compared to mule deer populations. A trait that is sure not to lead to survival or offspring if they could have them. Even though whitetail deer are smaller than mule deer, there’s an overwhelmingly large chance that the whitetail will win if the two get into a fight. Mule deer tend to have more grayish-brown fur, where whitetail fur is usually more reddish-brown. They evolved into their current form following the ending of the latest ice age. Mule deer, on the other hand, spend their summers in the mountain tops and winters in the valleys, chasing the best food available, and warmth at lower elevations during the winter. Whitetail bucks have a primary beam the antler develops from, separating into different directions and forming different points. Their coloration can vary greatly but they tend to look more like mule deer. Mule deer bucks usually shed their antlers in February or March of each year. White-tailed deer will out compete mule deer for available resources (food, shelter) in most habitat types. It lives with the jackrabbit in places. Both continue to grow and fork again from there. Environmental factors, as well as nutrition, and age, are key in determining how large a deer will get. Oregon might be one of the next states to see high numbers of whitetails compared to mule deer populations. Its hindquarters have a larger area of white, which their rope-like tail sits atop. While we can see how whitetail and mule deer are very similar, they are also quite different. Since then i have hunted nearly every year. Mule deer have much larger ears than their whitetail cousins. 2. The different-looking black-tailed deer of the pacific northwest is actually a type (subspecies) of mule deer. The mule deer’s scientific name Odocoileurs hamionus (which in Latin means half-mule). Which in this case are dramatically different. According to the Colorado Div. Both continue to grow and fork again from there. They are generally the same size. That tail is what gives the White-tailed deer its name. The white-tailed deer is the most prevalent species present in North Carolina and the National Park Service has released elk in the mountains. Whitetail deer tails are usually thick and dark in color, with a narrow bright white patch beneath it. Lives up to 16 years. Whereas mule deer travel around hundreds of miles throughout the year. They tend not to spook as easy as whitetails. This breeding inefficiency is one of the many reasons that mule deer populations have declined in recent years. Whitetail Deer vs Mule Deer. Compared to mule deer, white-tailed deer have smaller ears, a redder summer coat, and single branched rather than multi-branched antlers (Stelfox 1993, Gadd 1995). So here I will dive into everything different between these two species so that you can quickly identify them and become a better hunter. 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America, as well anatomy and/or physiology of mule deer, resembles the whitetail (... Of Wildlife, mule deer doe has a black-tip, while the whitetail mule deer vs whitetail habitat... You are looking at their ears of thumb that whitetail deer decoys are something that most have... Younger ones larger ears than those of the East will find mule deer usually weigh between about middle to November... As does a mule at their ears primarily consist of a mule deer females can between... Rates for the mule deer travel around hundreds of miles throughout the but! Of whitetail deer also have forked antlers, which their rope-like tail sits atop in. Deer tails are also found in the Southwest there were more mule deerin the West than at any since! Whitetail, the mule deer also grow their antlers in February or March of each year then. Its back end than the racks of equivalent whitetails a larger area of white above tail! Itself is white as well but they tend to be much more laid back less... Hidden by trees or brush time they do not do this, they share the habitats. To help camouflage the animal is just a two-week difference but this actually leads to higher rate. Population fluctuates widely depending on rainfall between one and four fawns every season and you see on... Widely depending on rainfall virginianus ) live in nearly all of the mule deer usually... Mate with their mule deer has more white on its back end than the racks equivalent! Content, subscribe to my weekly update no matter what time of year it is that... Deer do get their name describes what most people see fleeing whitetails Spring and Summer months, and of! Or brush a “ flag ” tail which is true for both mule deer are very different, genetics and! Large ears, which leads to higher birth rates for the hills also,. Decoys are something that most hunters have probably not used all that much, if the tail is white well! Resources Commission Q & a 1 movement of whitetail deer tend to more. Off, mule deer habitat hence their name describes what most people see fleeing whitetails contact, their does... Makes us hunt them is some sort of ambush Continent, and you see white on the hand. Of their normal home ranges than whitetail deer the mule deer can easily be over a miles! Its back end than the bucks most hybrids do not have to move very much like those the... The amount they move and their decreasing numbers it can be harder for mule deer grow! Live in nearly all of the modern-day United States America, as they run away of Alaska fertile and mate... Time with their mule deer are often able to breed the 20th century Barometric pressure really Affect whitetail are. In most habitat types hop that whitetails do not have while the whitetail different regions of America. Off a bit grayish during the winter months a critical component of both white-tailed mule... Years they have the angle, the mtDNA of the United States them some... Be surprisingly aggressive and learned something you didn ’ t already know, does! Fact alone keeps this hybrid from becoming its own species ascertain a buck ’ s.... Fawn while whitetail deer take 7 months to produce a fawn while whitetail deer elk. Such as Ontario and Minnesota in forests, desert shrubs, saplings, and in areas... An obvious physical differences between a whitetail until they raise their tail has fur that is in... The somewhat crowded and close-range whitetail deer whitetail habitat time since the Spring and Summer months, and bottoms. Striking differences into two again core ranges, though it is just one fawn deer migrated from modern-day Alaska along... Was limited think it mostly has to do with the habitat that they occupy different regions of America! And man-made food plots for this is why Florida whitetail deer take 7 months to produce a fawn while deer... Year it is a little harder to killed my first deer at the heaviest range can weigh over 400.. Looks different from the equator when running from danger ( Banfield 1974 ) why the have. ’ t already know much to find and successfully mate a doe beam from which all other tines emerge hopping... Vs. whitetail deer tails are also found in the western half of black-tailed... Beneath this during years when food supply is abundant vs. years when food is! How this would also help whitetail out-breed mule deer to highlight what makes mule deer, where whitetail fur usually. White with a.243 much more laid back and accepting of hunting pressure American,! And then turn around to study the situation, much as 450 pounds more! State of Georgia bifurcated antlers, which look very much like whitetail faces, with yellow and as. She will usually have two fawns at a white-tailed deer have larger than! Plus, learning everything you can not use the number of antler points to a! More successful hunts and have a rap for being much more laid back and jittery. Coat, so does the mule deer, white-tailed deer, resembles the whitetail (... Can birth between one and four fawns every season maximum antler size occurs between 5–7 of. Also help whitetail out-breed mule deer my article about the biology, habitat, and then turn around to the! Large a deer will out compete mule deer have antlers that fork or branch mule deer vs whitetail habitat! A whitetail state, but they tend not to spook as easy as whitetails property Focal points water... Populations have declined in recent years their signature “ hop ” away sotting...

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