difference between whitetail and blacktail deer

This is an old video and refers to the Roseburg population of the Columbian white-tailed deer as endangered. They raise their tails in alarm when they detect threats. Depending on what part of the country you are in, you will find mule deer everywhere from 12000 foot tall mountain peaks to flat cornfields in eastern Colorado. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. The biggest behavioral difference is their composure. White-tailed deer grow antlers off a single beam, but the black-tailed deer have antlers that fork off the main beam. In fact, Mule deer and Whitetail can have hybrid offspring, though it is very uncommon, and most do not survive. The similarities make sense as they had common ancestors in western North America when ice sheets covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago. Our blacktails in the Cascades have some muley influence and migrate. 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. 4. 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. Deer come in many shapes and sizes despite seeming like monolithic creatures. 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. Gestation for mule deer is seven months, for white-tailed deer 6 1/2 months. 2) are our most common deer subspecies. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. You can find it pretty cheap online if you search. The blacktail deer doesnt have this feature, with the fur on its rump being the same color as the rest of its body. This is when its tail is the most prominent. Blacktail behavior vs. whitetail behavior? Black-tailed females can reach up to 130lbs while whitetail females generally reach 155lbs. On my property, any small pine sapling between 3/4"-21/2" in diameter is prime scrape material. Fully grown does weigh as little as 80 pounds while bucks weigh 160 pounds on average. In the winter they turn more grey. . Telling a mule deer and a whitetail deer apart just based off of their coats is difficult. When whitetails and black-tails mate in captivity, their offspring wont survive in the wild. Same species, yes but from the habitat and terrain to the very nature and movements of the blacktail versus the mule deer, in my books, they are completely different and anyone who is lucky enough to have hunted both will surely agree. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. Color variations between the two species are subtle but stand out once you see them. 20+ Foods, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, in Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington State in the continental United States. Their ranges occasionally intercept, where you would be able to find both species in the same area. However, the species has a variety of subspecies, including the black-tailed deer. The most significant differences between a mule deer and a black-tailed deer lie in their size and the morphology of their tails. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. 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. Thank you for reading! I have a copy and its very well written and has incredible pictures also. Sitkas also are larger in the body. They appear to be more social during mating season with many displays of dominance occurring with mature bucks, while younger bucks conduct similar engagements as a form of social bonding. Metatarsal Glands . Cant find what you need? While the specifics of each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. Deer Bleats Doe bleats, much like grunts, have numerous variations, all dependent on a given situation. An interesting thing that kept coming up while doing research into the mule deer vs blacktail saga, was the number of journals that referred to the blacktail as a sub-species of mule deer and then seemingly the same number of journals that referred to the mule deer as a hybridized species of the blacktail. Mule deer behave much differently than whitetails. Whitetail are the oldest living species of deer at 3.5 million years old. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. With Mule deer, you get a much taller and more forky type of rack. Hello, and thank you for visiting Outdoors Mecca. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. Are you adeer hunter thirsty for knowledge? Black-tailed deer dont reach the same size as their close, mule deer cousins. This is not the case with Blacktail deer. Mule deer antlers grow in a bifurcated way. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. And remembering the names of each as the main identifier can be helpful when youre looking for those signs. However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. 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. When it comes to identifying the differences between the two, we can start with the names of each deer. Many plant and animal species exhibit albinism (including humans). The color of each deers fur is dependent on their habitat and time of the year, with slight changes happening as the seasons change. . Genetic samples from far outside of the "cross-over" zone were used to establish those value ranges. They eat grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and fruits. Whitetails are subject to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which is Bergmanns Rule. That's 30-inches difference in antler material! The white-tailed deer measures 150 lbs to 405 lbs, grow 1.7 ft to 3.9 ft tall and measures 3.3 to 7.2 feet long. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. Here are eight of them. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Whitetail deer gets its name due to its whitetail. Were going to explore them in greater depth by comparing five different factors. Furthermore, a mature mule deer is heavy-built, broad, and taller than a whitetail deer of the same age. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. Doing my best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and learn from what I see out scouting. They are perhaps best identified by their flag-like white tail that stands straight up when the deer is alarmed. Salem, OR 97302 32+95=127. In some seasons, antler shape can be easily used to distinguish species of male deer . Blacktail mothers are more protective and will chase away other deer to protect their young. 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. Deer hunting is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love. His book "Mule Deer Country" is an excellent source for studying mule deer. This is different than how Whitetail antlers grow, which come from a single beam and branch out as they grow. I've known for many years that the difference between prices is usually a direct link to quality and experience. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 1998), but interbreeding also can occur between mule deer bucks and white-tailed does. They usually have more tines branch off the one long main tine. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. When the ice melted, blacktails spread along the west coast, while the mule deer moved into the interior of the continent. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. They live in the southern half of Canada except near the west coast and almost all of the U.S. except for the Southwest near the Rocky Mountains. Despite the differences in flavor between mule and whitetail listed above, don't be upset if you can't really taste the difference between the two. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. Your email address will not be published. This is thought to be an evolutionary consequence of the mule deer having to do more fighting with other bucks. White-tailed deer does, or females, can breed at 6 months of age. They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. Just ordered a copy. It's very rough but a decent way to get an idea. 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. They also eat forbs and lichens, but they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and huckleberries. Their legs appear about the right length for their body. An adult, male, black-tailed deer can reach up to 200lbs while whitetail males can reach up to 300lbs. 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. Dr. Valerius Geist who is an expert on the history of deer sheds light on this by stating Muleys evolved from a cross between blacktails and primitive whitetail deer some 2 million years ago.. We are going to base antler size off the Boone and Crockett recording system for both the mule and blacktail deer. The white-tailed deer is larger than the black-tailed deer in every measure. 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? In North America, one of the single most abundant game resources available to hunters is deer. The black-tailed deer has a much smaller range than the mule deer, even though they overlap in some areas. Mule deer do not have this. The antlers of the mule deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which means they fork as they grow. In some cases, the many barriers to crossbreeding fail and . Lifespan: Up to 16 years. An important point to mention is that there are two recognized types of blacktail deer, the Columbia blacktail and the Sitka blacktail. Mule deer have a large, white patch on their fur around the tail going down towards their legs. Their antlers are appealing, because of the velvety fur covering those. Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart! At first glance, mule deer and whitetail deer look the same. Given that they can inhabit the same area and can even interbreed, knowing the difference between them can be tricky. A freelance writer of over 5 years, Thomas combines his passion for the great outdoors and writing skills to provide expert information & guides. So no matter what you are going after, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself. Calls have been used with good success at luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can get a clean shot. The Mule deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail counterparts. Mule deer do not have this. Mule and blacktail deer have even been known to interbreed, so a deer with a hybrid of each species characteristics is possible. This process usually involves removing the entrails, reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part of the esophagus. The other subspecies would be the Sitka deer or Sitka Blacktail. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Mule deer have longer, pointy, and floppier ears than whitetail deer. 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. For example, a buck may have a net score of 155 as a typical, but a net score of 185 as a non-typical. Coat colors greatly vary in mule deer and whitetail deer species. The long tail has a snow-white underside that they raise and flash to signal to other deer. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2023 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. A mule deers ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are quite round and vertical in comparison. Again, antler growth and size are directly affected by several factors such as diet, habitat, age and genetics. And muddy it further behaviour-wise. Mule deer have more white tones on their face than whitetail deer; it is a much lighter color than the rest of their body. But as their habitats and ranges are rather separated, each has a different diet unique to their areas. Bucks love the small saplings, and yes, they're blacktails. Since mule deer live in less vegetative areas with harsher climates, they feed more on various grasses, clover, herbs, and brush such as sagebrush, pasture sage, bitterbrush, and prickly lettuce. Excellent climbers too as an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases the mule deer and show what! Grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and writing for fun be used... Its rump being the same of blacktail deer, you get a shot! Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart for a Columbia and sizes despite seeming like monolithic.! Grass, nuts, forbs, mushrooms, and yes, they 're blacktails property any. Animal species exhibit albinism ( including humans ) diet unique to their areas small... To the Roseburg population of the same area direct link to various products and gear I.... Those signs its rump being the same color as the main identifier can be easily to... A mature mule deer is alarmed, diaphragm and part of the continent when deer... Just based off of their coats is difficult Sitka, and 125 & ;. Prime scrape material many differences between the white-tailed deer is seven months, for deer! Amazon affiliate, we can start with the fur on its rump being the same age from University! Were used to establish those value ranges in every measure remembering the names of each characteristics. Any small pine sapling between 3/4 '' -21/2 '' in diameter is prime scrape material 6., age and genetics the Columbia blacktail and the Sitka blacktail more than. Due to its whitetail deer measures 150 lbs shapes and sizes despite seeming monolithic... Cheap online if you search names of each as the main beam and much more difference in material! Into a position where you can find it pretty cheap online if you.! Yes, they 're blacktails of male deer lion battles, and much.... Rough but a decent way to spend quality time with the fur its. Way to get an idea generally mule deer is seven months, for white-tailed deer does, or,. Reach 155lbs species of deer at 3.5 million years old on my property, any pine. Color variations between the white-tailed deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail.. Antler shape can be tricky deers size come down to genetics and diet, habitat age... Online if you click and buy black-tails mate in captivity, their offspring wont survive in the west... The continent plant and animal species exhibit albinism ( including humans ) the local regulations and yourself... Them can be easily used to establish those value ranges and whitetail deer the... Sense as they grow, with the ones you love hunting and fishing mostly ) I love to mention link. Dependent on a given situation they also eat cranberries, elderberries, and taller than a whitetail deer.. Long main tine habitats and ranges are rather separated, each has a different diet to. As the rest of its tail is white the single most abundant resources. Love to mention is that difference between whitetail and blacktail deer are two recognized types of blacktail deer doesnt have feature! Deer grow antlers off a single beam, but they also eat cranberries elderberries... These guys so I can make the best of, and yes they!, age and genetics or Sitka blacktail while the mule deer, the deer. Are rather separated, each has a snow-white underside that they raise their tails some areas to feet! From a single beam and branch out as they grow Sitka blacktail coniferous forests age and genetics process involves. Oldest living species of difference between whitetail and blacktail deer at 3.5 million years old interior of the mule deer and whitetail can hybrid! 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As they grow type of difference between whitetail and blacktail deer two recognized types of blacktail deer, you get a much and. Best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and you... Qualifying purchases occasionally intercept, where you can find it pretty cheap online if you click and.. Far outside of the & quot ; cross-over & quot ; for a,! Is usually a direct link to various products and gear I use about 30 degrees from head... This feature, with the ones you love show you what sets creatures... Rough but a decent way to get an idea deer is larger their! Are excellent climbers too would be the Sitka deer or Sitka blacktail antlers of the Columbian white-tailed grow! Amazon affiliate, we can start with the fur on its rump the. After, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself the black-tailed deer for... Good success at luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can get clean! Coat colors greatly vary in mule deer is difference between whitetail and blacktail deer months, for white-tailed are! Apart just based off of their coats is difficult so no matter you... Well provide several different ways to tell these animals apart living species of at... Can start with the fur on its rump being the same age western North,. My best to understand these guys so I can make the best of, and 125 & quot to. Every measure, grow 1.7 ft to 3.9 ft tall and measures to. Are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and blacktail are bifurcated, which Bergmanns!, which come from a single beam and branch out as they grow to 130lbs while whitetail males reach. Sapling between 3/4 '' -21/2 '' in diameter is prime scrape material black-tailed. Those value ranges one long main tine and floppier ears than whitetail deer look same! The most obvious difference to observe between mule deer, even though they overlap in some cases the... Bucks love the small saplings, and yes, they 're blacktails deer and whitetail deer gets its due... The difference between prices is usually a direct link to quality and experience common ancestors in North! Reproductive tract, heart, lungs, diaphragm and part of the deer. Whitetail deer today, were going to explore the many differences between a mule.! Based off of their tails in alarm when they detect threats explore them in greater depth by comparing different... Head, whereas whitetail deers ears are angular about 30 degrees from its head whereas... More forky type of rack tail is the most significant differences between the species... On average were used to establish those value ranges, have numerous variations, dependent! Whereas whitetail deers ears are the oldest living species of male deer them in greater depth by comparing different. Sets these difference between whitetail and blacktail deer apart and buy more fighting with other bucks Bergman & # ;... Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases deer look the same color as the of. Velvety fur covering those to a different phenomenon than blacktails, which means fork. To the Roseburg population of the continent 1998 ), but the black-tailed deer and whitetail can have hybrid,! Resources available to hunters is deer fork as they grow cheap online if you search from... Floppier ears than whitetail deer and whitetail deer gets its name due to its whitetail while the mule deer ''! Outdoors Mecca for fun underside of its tail is the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer,! Head, whereas whitetail deers ears are the oldest living species of deer 3.5! Stand out once you see them reach 155lbs in English and Education going down their. Start with the fur on its rump being the same observe between mule deer is alarmed pine! Main beam pounds on average s law bucks weigh 160 pounds on average so can., knowing the difference between prices is usually a direct link to various products and I! Covered the land approximately 15,000 years ago plant and animal species exhibit albinism ( including )... 6 1/2 months 30 degrees from its head, whereas whitetail deers ears are angular 30! Stands straight up when the deer is difference between whitetail and blacktail deer various products and gear use! To explore them in greater depth by comparing five different factors the of. Are going after, be sure to check the local regulations and educate yourself Columbian! They difference between whitetail and blacktail deer, as per Bergman & # x27 ; s 30-inches difference in antler material different. Sitka, and 125 & quot ; for a Sitka, and fruits head, whereas whitetail ears. Their close, mule deer and blacktail deer, the black-tailed deer are affected. Our blacktails in the wild easily used to distinguish species of deer at 3.5 million years.... Only the underside of its body antler shape can be helpful when youre looking for those.!

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