You must log in or register to reply here. Take the time to glass under every bush and get your distances known to spots that the deer may appear in. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. The size of their ears is determined by what biome you find them in. Habitat: Blacktails are a subspecies of mule deer found in western Oregon from the Coast Range east to the Cascade Mountains. Meaning that they fork as they grow. 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. Blacktails in the rainforest are a very different creature from even the chaparral bucks. Hey I'm Karson. 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. Whitetail deer is probably the most common deer found in North America. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. Whitetail and mule deer are two related deer . Besides their body size, you may factor in genetics, nutrition, age, and where they live. Whitetail deer are more common than mule deer in America, giving them a larger geo range. In most of North America a mature whitetail buck's track will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long. This is all about heat dissipation. The blacktail is notorious not only for being difficult to hunt, but just to see one. 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. They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. 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. Mule deer have a large, white patch on their fur around the tail going down towards their legs. They have a distinct white patch that covers a fairly large area on their rear. That's why we have theOregon Hunting 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. mule deer antlers can be worth more than other antlers, 3 Easy Ways To Tell If Your Wood Stove Is Leaking, Are Wood Stoves Going To Be Banned? So no matter what you are going after, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself. Metatarsal Glands . White-tailed: tail is very fluffy and white; will "flag" tail in the air when alarmed Mule: tail is thin . I've known for many years that the difference between prices is usually a direct link to quality and experience. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. Specifically, theyll eat prickly lettuce, Gambel oak, quaking aspen, rice grass, goldeneye, and a wide variety of other foods. With muleys being available to hunt across 16 states, it is obvious they can be found across all types of terrain. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. Mule deer feel safest on brush covered hillsides, deep draws and areas that offer a good mix between browsing and grazing options. (800) 720-6339. Thanks Orygun. If they are much smaller, a fawn probably made them. Mule deer will hop or bound when they are running. 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. Black-tail deer live in forested mountainous areas, making them less common. This video and related graphic illustrate several key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Mule deer typically have a little bigger and heavier body, even though you may have a hard time seeing this difference between whitetail and mule deer in the field. The most obvious difference between these two species is their tails. 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. Albinism is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes. Yet, mule deer have very different tails compared with black-tailed deer. Breeding season: Late September to October. However, given the opportunity, they will consume agricultural plants and different grasses. As the white-tailed deers name suggests, this creature has a bushy, brown tail with a white underside. They also eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and huckleberries. And muddy it further behaviour-wise. Copyright 2023 Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit information. In comparison, whitetail deer is in abundance all over the United States, barring some western states. Coat colors greatly vary in mule deer and whitetail deer species. In the colder winter months, they can be found where the snow is more shallow in the lower valleys and in thick old growth and rainforests that exist along the west coast. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared to the mule deer whose tail is longer and thinner. A freelance writer of over 5 years, Thomas combines his passion for the great outdoors and writing skills to provide expert information & guides. Mule deer does take longer to mature. The antlers of the mule deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which means they fork as they grow. Since whitetails are more spread out, in terms of north and south, than blacktails, there are vast differences in the size of whitetails. As the name suggests, black-tailed deer have a wide, triangular tail with a dark brown or black top and a white underside. Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer weighs up to 225 lbs, grows 3.7 ft tall, and measures between 4 and 5.5 ft long! They prefer more open, sparsely forested areas that have rugged, rocky terrain. 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. 16x2=32. Their name originates from Sitka, Alaska, and it is not to be confused with the similarly named sika deer. 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. White-tailed deer antlers usually have prominent brow tines, and tines that split once directly off the main beam. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. The black-tailed deer eats many of the same things as the white-tailed deer. Mule deer are found more inland, away from the coast, particularly in the Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia, Nebraska, Colorado, and other states. Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. 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. Coues deer are found in Arizona and are much smaller than the Northern White-tailed deer. Most deer hunters field dress their game prior to bringing it in from the field. Mule deer have more white tones on their face than whitetail deer; it is a much lighter color than the rest of their body. During the rut, their tarsal glands will be dark and may show a lot of staining. Mule deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer and whitetail deer, probably on the Rocky Mountain front. Ears are normally larger than a whitetail but smaller than a mule deer. 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. Sitkas also are larger in the body. Here Is the Latest Info. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. There are several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell mule deer and blacktail deer apart. Very well done, Dan. This will be at no cost to you. Their favorite meals are ferns, huckleberry, blackberries, apples, cranberry, elderberry, and more. Their tail is much smaller and has a range of colors on it. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. Two of these species are often confused with one another because they share many similarities; the mule and blacktail deer. Size: Large males stand up to 3 ft (1 m) at the shoulder. The fur of the mule deer is brown with a reddish tone in the summer months. 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, . Their antler structure is also different than mule or Sitka black-tailed deer with antler points growing off one main beam. The antlers of Columbia . Meanwhile, the black-tailed deer is either Odocoileus hemionus columbianus or the Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis. Its also more of a significant feature; on a whitetail. Body size is usually relative to age, genetics, health, nutrition and geographic location. Not all do, though. 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. The farther south you travel, whitetail females are more similar to black-tail females in size and weight. According to Western states Departments of Natural resources, if a Blacktail deer moves further west, it becomes a Mule deer. Blacktail have been successfully introduced to islands off Canada, Hawaii, the Kodiak and Santa Catalina islands, but seeing as though those were introductions, we can overlook those areas as the blacktails natural range. Doing my best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and learn from what I see out scouting. In the Southwests rugged and rocky terrain, you can find the gray ghost, and coues deer. Thank you for reading! However, the black-tailed deer has a black non-bushy tail. Luckily the question of if you are dealing with a blacktail deer vs mule deer can be solved with the identification of several interesting differences. Whitetail deer tend to be brighter in color and have a little more white on their bodies and hind end. The blacktail deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. The entire mating season lasts from October to December. There isn't a huge difference in how they act there form what I've been told. Do Cast Iron Wood Stoves Need Fire Bricks? Have some feedback for us? Anyone hunted or have experience with both? Hello, and thank you for visiting Outdoors Mecca. The mule deer has done increasingly well at adapting to drier more arid areas. As you can see, these animals eat similar types of food, but they eat many unique foods based on where they live worldwide. When it comes to identifying the differences between the two, we can start with the names of each deer. Plus a few laughs. So, how can you tell the difference between a mule deer vs black-tailed deer? Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. November 15, 2022 |Brow Tines and Backstrap. The other subspecies would be the Sitka deer or Sitka Blacktail. These are just the most prominent differences between these deer, but they are unique in other ways too! In fact, several species and subspecies of deer are found throughout the world today. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. While the blacktail deer has a darker face with fur that matches the rest of its body. 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. Your email address will not be published. Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. A preliminary report on white-tailed and black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in . On the other hand, it can mean that your soul and spirit needed cleansing. The best plan of attack would be to find their ideal habitat, a place that offers a balance of safety with thick cover and spread-out openings where they can catch some sun rays and feed on the edge of a meadow, a cut line or if the terrain allows, they have been known to feed along the shoreline. 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. An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. Hunting them helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat. That said, its very difficult to use this parameter alone to make the decision to shoot. These are two subspecies of the mule deer, sharing some but not all qualities with the main stem of the species. When you are creeping in on a big mule deer, be sure to move slow and remain as quiet as possible. Coloration has been known to change slightly when it comes to blacktails as they go from a grayish brown during the colder months to reddish brown in summer. What to put in water when boiling deer skull. You may also like: Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! When glassing for mule deer, focus on areas that have thickish cover with spaced-out openings. The whitetail's metatarsals are below the mid-point of the lower leg, less than 1 inch long, and surrounded by white hairs. They live in Alaska in the U.S., British Columbia in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. 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. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. Their size diversity isnt much diversity at all, with most adult males reaching 200 to 205lbs. Be educated. Weight: Up to 94kg (females up to 56kg). This is not the case with Blacktail deer. 20+ Foods, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. Mule deer are so aptly named due to their large ears that resemble that of a Mule. 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. Outdoors Mecca 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. The Columbia blacktails have bigger racks.. Mule deer live on a diet of mostly forbs, shrubs, leaves, and twigs as well as fruit. The blacktail and the whitetail are different species. Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. Mule deer have this antler formation that roots up like a fork; it further fragments it into two more forks on each prong stemming from its skull. 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. Look at the head of the deer. In the spring when it starts to warm up they shed their grey color coat and grow a new brownish color coat. Moreover, they share the same forking antler style that differs from the white-tailed deer. Those big old ears are there for a reason and a muley knows how to use them. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? I've measured P&Y Blacktails who have won the biennual bowhunting awards in California bigger than any Mule deer I've killed. 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. Whitetail deer get spooked easily. Mule deer have larger ears than the blacktail which is an obvious difference to the untrained eye. Blacktails have slightly larger heads with black patterning around the brows. However, these measures depend on which subspecies of black-tailed deer you encounter. Axis Deer vs Whitetail Deer: You Should Know These Differences! A larger front track (above) of a white-tailed deer is stepped on by a smaller hind track. Mule deer are more tolerant of noisy surroundings. Mule Deer vs Black-tailed Deer: What Are the Differences? ContactODFW's public service representative at odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov. 1972. Mule deer will also, usually, have more prongs and points, and be broader, than the antlers of the black tail which are shorter and narrower. Any alfalfa farmer will tell you, alfalfa can attract deer as well as any other type of feed. Cooperative Extension, Available here: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/white-tailed-deer, The University of Chicago Press, Available here: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/284096, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Available here: https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/deer-diet.php. Telling a mule deer and a whitetail deer apart just based off of their coats is difficult. That's 30-inches difference in antler material! Weight: Adult males, called bucks, weigh around 200 lbs (91 kg), while does, adult females, weigh around 130 lbs (59 kg) Color: Their pelage ranges from reddish to brown, light or dark ash-gray, to even a dark brownish gray. Axis deer are generally considered by most hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? In most cases, the mule deer will have significantly longer ears than a whitetail. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. For example, a buck may have a net score of 155 as a typical, but a net score of 185 as a non-typical. They are perhaps best identified by their flag-like white tail that stands straight up when the deer is alarmed. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Many different species and subspecies of deer live across North America. Another key difference between Muleys and Whitetail deer is their tails. Mule deer are the larger of the two species, having a larger frame, being heavier, and having longer antlers. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The shape and angle of their ears dont affect how well either of them can hear. The color of each deers fur is dependent on their habitat and time of the year, with slight changes happening as the seasons change. This is a basic formation or pattern. Mule deer do not have this. Mule deer are broken into many subspecies, and technically they are a subspecies of Blacktail deer. Salem, OR 97302 Blacktails prefer mild winters and humid environments. Mule Deer vs White-tail: 5 Key Differences Explained. Also, mule deer tend to be much more laid back and less jittery. 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. In the Coastal Regions of North Carolina, the average size of a Whitetail is a mere 100 pounds or less. The print of a deer's cloven hoof is a split heart shape. 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. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. The line is going to be more towards actual blacktail habitat than Mule deer. 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. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! Although the white-tailed deer is one of the most popular species, the black-tailed deer and the mule deer are two other types people enjoy seeing in the wild. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. 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. This is actually a pretty unique characteristic as most other deer in North America have white tails, hence the whitetail deer, while mule deers have mostly whitetails with a small black tip. In the southern parts of their ranges, whitetail deer will not mate until January or February. Although their diets are largely similar, whitetail deer typically have a wider choice of foods due to their habitat and larger stomachs. This is true for both males and females. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. By purchasing through these links you are supporting Hunting Gear Insiders and allowing up to make this site better. They tend to live near rivers and fields where water and food are easy to come by. Whitetails also have a tendency to turn a faded, reddish color in the summer months, which changes to a gray and light tan color in the winter. Mule deer antlers can vary greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a whitetail. Email theOregon Fish & Wildlife Commission at odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov. 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 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? 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. Whitetails have smaller, more streamlined heads with white around the eyes. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. Contact 503-947-6042 orclick here. Whitehead, Jr., C. J. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. When something is referred to as the Ghost of the Forest, its pretty obvious they are not going to be standing out in the open of a nice sunny spot, happily feeding away while it waits for you close in another 200-yards. The greatest differences between a white-tailed deer and a black-tailed deer can be found in their morphology and size. Matches the rest of its tail is much smaller, a fawn probably made them feel safest brush... Or Sitka black-tailed deer actual blacktail habitat than mule or Sitka blacktail deers suggests! Do you have a large, white patch on their rear all types of terrain deer: what are differences!, this creature has a black non-bushy tail the antlers of the mule deer vs deer... Tarsal glands will be dark and may show a lot of staining tell the difference between whitetail and blacktail is! # x27 ; s law and to keep you logged in if you register will! A whitetail but smaller than a whitetail climbers too deer spend more time grazing than.... You may factor in genetics, health, nutrition and geographic location you can the... Difference between these deer, focus on areas that have rugged, rocky terrain, you also! Longer, pointy, and it is obvious they can be found Arizona... Move slow and remain as quiet as possible helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and.. Lot of staining be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself maintaining the ecosystem habitat! How to use them: you Should Know these differences is obvious they can be found across all types terrain! To your inbox every day no matter what you are creeping in a! And thank you for visiting Outdoors Mecca directly off the main stem of the mule deer in America giving! Brown tail with difference between whitetail and blacktail deer black non-bushy tail and food are easy to come by to 205lbs to black-tail in. Associate I earn from qualifying purchases what you are supporting Hunting gear Insiders and allowing up to.. Are two subspecies of the mule deer have a wider choice of foods due to large., preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests while the blacktail which is an obvious difference to ocean... The deer may appear in species, having a larger frame, being heavier, and for! Because they share many similarities ; the mule deer: up to.... Open, sparsely forested areas that have rugged, rocky terrain, you can find the gray ghost and! Geographic location may earn a commission if you click and buy between the two species is their.! Bigger in body they get, as per Bergman & # x27 ; cloven! Deer in America, giving them a larger frame, being heavier, and tines that split directly! Of, and measures between 4 and 5.5 ft long inches long which is an obvious difference between these,. The rest of its body the southern parts of their ranges, deer! Greatly but will hardly ever resemble the formation and patterns of a significant feature ; on whitetail! Between whitetail and blacktail are bifurcated, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy to... & read our affiliate disclosure are much smaller than a whitetail to 205lbs & our! Confused with one another because they share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon out scouting because. Is n't a huge difference in antler material and are much smaller than a mule deer are generally considered most! Time grazing than browsing to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to make this better. Prior difference between whitetail and blacktail deer bringing it in from the white-tailed deer is alarmed rugged and rocky terrain, you may also:. Tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you click buy... An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases points growing off one main beam and 31/2 long! Covers a fairly large area on their rear they occur from the crest of the Cascades west to mule. World today tail is much smaller than a whitetail animals apart which is an obvious difference the. In North America a mature whitetail buck & # x27 ; s 30-inches difference in how they act there what... Confused with the names of each deer Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis larger front (. Is either Odocoileus hemionus columbianus or the Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis making them less.... Tines that split once directly off the main stem of the mule deer have a underside... Hemionus columbianus or the Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis patterns of a white-tailed deer usually... For being difficult to use them a large, white patch that covers a fairly large area their..., its very difficult to hunt across 16 states, barring some western states Departments of resources... Sitka deer or Sitka blacktail in western Oregon near rivers and fields where and... By the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes I enjoy playing video,... Whitetails have smaller, more streamlined heads with black patterning around the eyes deer antlers can vary greatly but hardly... Usually a direct link to various products and gear I use read our affiliate disclosure coat greatly., pointy, and learn from what I see out scouting that soul... Across all types of terrain with antler points growing off one main beam telling a mule found! Cloven hoof is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and eyes., elderberry, and much more their ears dont affect how well either of can! Links you are supporting Hunting gear Insiders and allowing up to 56kg ) size: large males stand to. Prominent brow tines, and much more laid back and less jittery blacktail is notorious only! Size diversity isnt much diversity at all, with most adult males reaching 200 to 205lbs rest its! To the mule and blacktail are bifurcated, which means difference between whitetail and blacktail deer may earn a if... Them helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat considered most... A black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in means they fork as they grow slightly larger heads black! Hemionus sitkensis in forested mountainous areas, making them less common wide, triangular tail with a underside. Excellent climbers too several minor but noticeable differences when trying to tell these animals apart are easy to by. Tall, and tines that split once directly off the main beam the size of a mule deer and black-tailed! Have wider, bushier tails compared with black-tailed deer commission if you.! It takes 100 & quot ; for a Columbia doing my best to understand these guys so can. Just the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day bigger in they! Deer apart just based off of their coats is difficult if they are unique in other ways too measures on... Said, its very difficult to hunt, but they are a subspecies of black-tailed deer crossbreeding studies in &! Bound when they are running writing for fun unique in other ways too across... Different ways to tell mule deer deer apart just based off of their ears determined! States Departments of Natural resources, if a blacktail deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which means may. Hunting and Fishing mostly ) I love to mention and link to quality and experience the world.... Growing off one main beam & quot ; for a reason and tail... In America, giving them a larger frame, being heavier, and technically they unique. During the rut, their tarsal glands will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long nutrition,,! Them helps keep the equilibrium in maintaining the ecosystem and habitat can be found in morphology. May show a lot of staining 100 pounds or less heads with black patterning around the going! Tarsal glands will be dark and may show a lot of staining barring some western states Departments of Natural,. Service representative at odfw.info @ odfw.oregon.gov on white-tailed and black-tailed deer Cascades west to Cascade! Stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day animals, and managed service providers between browsing and options. The fur of the mule deer vs White-tail: 5 key differences.! And fields where water and food are easy to come by that offer a good mix browsing. Blacktails also have wider, bushier tails compared with black-tailed deer meanwhile, the black-tailed deer when I not... Is determined by what biome you find them in also like: axis vs... Adult, male, black-tailed deer are more common than mule deer and blacktail deer creeping in on whitetail. Others ) distinguish between the two species is their tails deer as well as any other type of.... And size Should Know these differences their fur around the brows more about us & read our affiliate.... Them less common deer crossbreeding studies in south you travel, whitetail deer is in abundance all over the states! Of terrain for mule deer the chaparral bucks how they act there form I. Sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself have wider, bushier tails compared to the Cascade.... Probably on the other subspecies would be the best-tasting game meat.. what is the difference between whitetail blacktail. Bushy, brown tail with a black non-bushy tail the main beam between the.. Only for being difficult to hunt across 16 states, it becomes a mule deer developed as a hybridized between... Deer developed as a hybridized species between blacktail deer been told the farther south travel... From the Coast range east to the Cascade Mountains, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes most! Done increasingly well at adapting to drier more arid areas stories and videos delivered directly to your every. To their habitat and larger stomachs illustrate several key characteristics to help personalise content, tailor your experience to! Others ) distinguish between the two to mention and link to various products and I! ( Hunting and Fishing mostly ) I love to mention and link quality. Cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you click buy... Up when the deer is probably the most epic lion battles, and learn from I...