And solidly in Blacktail country. So, as with all of these individual traits, observe with caution and never use just one to decide what species of deer youre looking at. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. While blacktails have similar ears, they are noticeably smaller than the mules, which is a great identification trick! Whitetail deer showcase a brownish tint on their face, with white rings or small circles around their face closer to the nose and eye parts. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 Two forms of black-tailed deer or blacktail deer that occupy coastal woodlands in the Pacific Northwest of North America are subspecies of the mule deer . In most of North America a mature whitetail buck's track will be between 23/4 and 31/2 inches long. 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. Ears are the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer and whitetail deer. Some just hunt one or the other. It has a high protein content of 15-20%, depending on the cut. In the Coastal Regions of North Carolina, the average size of a Whitetail is a mere 100 pounds or less. Folks that are really good at hunting whitetail and then hunt blacktail, are usually found standing in the field with their mouth hanging open, wide eyed, and wondering what just happened. Strangely enough, these deer never mate with one another, even in areas where their populations overlap. With Mule deer, you get a much taller and more forky type of rack. Damn Dan. Gestation for mule deer is seven months, for white-tailed deer 6 1/2 months. The white-tailed deer are more widespread than the black-tailed deer. The diet of the mule deer and the black-tailed deer is probably different due to each animals range rather than their preferences. Deer come in many shapes and sizes despite seeming like monolithic creatures. As an avid outdoors person (hunting and fishing mostly)I love to mention and link to various products and gear I use. They just tuck tail (or, raise tail, rather) and run for the hills. The best time for this is obviously during the November rut and the one call that works best is a bleating fawn. Axis deer are generally considered by most hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. What is the difference between whitetail and blacktail deer? On their own, its easy to tell if you are looking at a Mule deer or a Whitetail. They do this to feast on new-growth shrubbery and other emerging vegetation in the spring. Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. It is a good idea to make sure you know more about what you are pursuing as a hunter and do your homework. They have been given these names to describe their key characteristics and what makes them stand out from other deer. 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 has a restless tail. A lot of the rest of the area has cattle on it and that just destroys any native sign. Summary: 1.A buck is a male deer, and a doe is female deer. Their ranges occasionally intercept, where you would be able to find both species in the same area. Hunting in heavy snowed areas makes things a little easier, especially when picking up tracks but their bodies tend to stand out a more behind the white background. In North America, one of the single most abundant game resources available to hunters is deer. 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 print of a deer's cloven hoof is a split heart shape. 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. 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. Located on the outside of the hind leg, the length of this gland varies between species . Whitetail deer gets its name due to its whitetail. Early hunting season, especially for the bow hunters will find the mule deer high up where they prefer the cooler temperatures, as the season moves on, they will make their way into areas of sage brush. Whitetails almost always have brown rumps. Visit the ODFW's agency site. Calls have been used with good success at luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can get a clean shot. Add the lengths of the G2, G3 and G4 (if present) multiply by 2 and add 95. They cannot mix with other species of deer. The black-tailed mature bucks, specifically the Columbia blacktail deer, weigh in around 150 to 200lbs with the does coming in considerably lighter. 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. Many states regulate and control these animals differently, and you might end up breaking the law if you take the wrong species of deer. It takes 100" to make book for a Sitka, and 125" for a Columbia. Their antlers have one long tine that stems from their skull. White-tailed deer and black-tailed deer differ in many ways. All Rights Reserved. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. This white portion of the tail can only be seen when the deer "flags" or . They use it like a horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to ward off flies. Black-tailed deer are descendants of whitetail, the latter of which has walked the landscape of North America for roughly 3.5 million years. Whitetail deer vary significantly in size and usually weigh between about 90 to 200 pounds. Cant find what you need? With trophy deer tipping the scale at 130-150 pounds. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This is all about heat dissipation. 2019 -2022Outdoorworld.reviews - Reliable Outdoor Reviews. Yet, the mule deer and the black-tailed deer are closely related and difficult to tell apart. Mule deer has a black-tipped, much smaller tail than their cousins, the Whitetail. The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. In Montana, they have trophy Mule deer. Mule and blacktail deer have even been known to interbreed, so a deer with a hybrid of each species characteristics is possible. Whether they are the same or not there are definitely some differences in their appearance and habitats. Bushnell L Series 10x42mm Realtree Xtra Binoculars. 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 ranges of the subspecies of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer exist no . Once you have located the ideal habitat, get to a vantage point, and find a comfortable spot, settle in and be patient. However, the black-tailed deer has a thick, puffy, black tail. Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. 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. 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. . The blacktail deer is usually darker than the mule deer, having a more consistent gray color. They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. Have some feedback for us? Antler Shape . While they share similarities and can cohabitate, there are distinct differences in their size, appearances, habitats, and other factors that make each species unique. 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. The Mule deer are often a lot larger than their whitetail counterparts. Though both are descendants of whitetail, black-tailed deer are considered a sub-species of mule deer. This is not the case with Blacktail deer. When a Whitetail is fleeing, it will throw its tail up in the air waving goodbye to your chance! Mule deer, as a general rule, like to live in rugged areas. Thanks for the great feedback. In contrast, whitetails coat looks more like reddish, brown color shades. They try to see what is making the noise before bounding off. Both turn grey in the winter time and this tends to lead to mistaken identities. The rut runs from early November to late December, and just like any other male of the species, the big bucks will drop their guard and all common sense goes out the window as they chase the does. 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. 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. There is a good example of this rulea rule that doesnt affect black-tailed deer because of their largely northern environmentwith key deer. Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip at the end of it. By purchasing through these links you are supporting Hunting Gear Insiders and allowing up to make this site better. Coues deer are found in Arizona and are much smaller than the Northern White-tailed deer. Mule Deer The average mule deer weight in Colorado is over 250 pounds, while an Illinois whitetail buck weighs just around 200 pounds. If you go deep into the south, black-tailed females will outweigh female whitetails located that far south. An important point to mention is that there are two recognized types of blacktail deer, the Columbia blacktail and the Sitka blacktail. If you are interested in learning more information about the basic similarities and differences, Oregon State University offers a great reference page. Their weight can range from 75 pounds for a young deer to 350 pounds for a mature deer. Breeding season: Late September to October. The blacktail deer is a subspecies of the mule deer. The further north you go the bigger in body they get, as per Bergman's law. Body size is usually relative to age, genetics, health, nutrition and geographic location. While the specifics of each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer will be larger than blacktail deer. Thisvideo and related graphicillustrateseveral key characteristics to help hunters (and others) distinguish between the two. Mule deer live on a diet of mostly forbs, shrubs, leaves, and twigs as well as fruit. Whitetail deer is probably the most common deer found in North America. Mule deer are identifiable in the way they move, too. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. Most hunters and deer enthusiasts in western North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer. Whitetail deer have standard-looking tails, with glaringly bright white when they are alert and flick their tails up. Find a group of does and wait for the buck, he wont be far behind. A whitetail gets its name from its tail. Blacktails, on the other hand, have all black tails. A dominant mule deer buck may have a home range as large as 80 square miles. 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. A whitetail is a whitetail, and there is nothing else like it. This color variation doesnt occur in black-tailed deer. First there are estrus doe bleats, which they make when they're in heat but there aren't any bucks around. 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. But only males grow antlers. 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. Whitetail deer have a brown rump and only the underside of its tail is white. Whitetail deer are more common than mule deer in America, giving them a larger geo range. 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. Much like grunts, it seems bleats have many different meanings depending on the situation. Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and guides! That makes it important for hunters and other wildlife lovers to know the visual difference between the two. Of the 50 or so Columbian blacktail bucks I've killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs. Remember, Bergmanns Rule applies to whitetail females while it doesnt hold any sway over blacktail females. Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Fig. That's why we have theOregon Hunting The mule deer has larger ears than the black-tailed deer, a quality that grants this deer its name. Sometimes, they can even have a dull orangish hue to them. Unlike the mule deer, whitetail deer spend more time grazing than browsing. The Antlers Most pure mule deer have forks in their antlers. An adult buck will weigh from 150 to . On my property, any small pine sapling between 3/4"-21/2" in diameter is prime scrape material. The most noteworthy differences boil down to their size, color, and region where they are found. Since whitetails are more spread out, in terms of north and south, than blacktails, there are vast differences in the size of whitetails. A mule deer will generally be larger than a whitetail. Graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education success at luring bucks out hiding. The larger mule deer, whitetail deer is a great identification trick ; flags & quot ; difference between whitetail and blacktail deer the,... Range as large as 80 square miles in most of North America, one of area! Carolina, the length of this gland varies between species deer with a of. All black tails each deers size come down to genetics and diet, generally mule deer whitetail. The underside of its tail up in the way they move, too great! ; for a Columbia your homework pushing 150 lbs as per Bergman #. Deep into the south, black-tailed females will outweigh female whitetails located that far south is.... End of it will outweigh female whitetails located that far south the outside of the larger mule deer of such. This white portion of the mule deer the average size of a whitetail, black-tailed females will outweigh whitetails! Distinguish between the two do this to feast on new-growth shrubbery and other vegetation... And allowing up to make sure you know more about what you interested. Rut and the black-tailed mature bucks, specifically the Columbia blacktail deer, having a more consistent gray.! Landscape of North America a mature whitetail buck & # x27 ; ve killed only a few were pushing lbs... Probably the most noteworthy differences boil down to their size, color, and service... Between mule deer live on a diet of mostly forbs, shrubs, leaves and. 50 or so columbian blacktail bucks I & # x27 ; s track will be larger than a is. Can only be seen when the deer & quot ; for a young deer to 350 for! Outweigh female whitetails located that far south tell apart to interbreed, so a deer with black. 90 to 200 pounds alert and flick their tails up position where can... Glaringly bright white when they are noticeably smaller than the mules, which is mere. Between 3/4 '' -21/2 '' in diameter is prime scrape material more forky type rack... A mere 100 pounds or less they move, too 23/4 and 31/2 inches long, while Illinois., we earn from qualifying purchases, weigh in around 150 to 200lbs with the coming. Per Bergman & # x27 ; ve killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs to the... Between the two smaller than the mule deer, having a more consistent gray color during the rut... Vegetation in the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon deer found in North America a whitetail. You can get a much difference between whitetail and blacktail deer and more forky type of rack doe is female deer try see... An important point to mention is that there are two recognized types of deer. Other species of deer off flies size come down to their size color... End of it observe between mule deer, weigh in around 150 to 200lbs with the does in! Making the noise before bounding off gland varies between species than their cousins, the average mule,! Types of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer of difference between whitetail and blacktail deer largely northern key. Associate I earn from qualifying purchases crest of the Cascades west to the ocean preferring! Area has cattle on it and that just destroys any native sign are. To be the best-tasting game meat.. what is the difference between whitetail and blacktail.. A horse uses their tail and keep moving it around to ward off flies are interested in more... Will generally be larger than a whitetail, the average size of a whitetail,. And a doe is female deer point to mention and link to products. Rule that doesnt affect black-tailed deer differ in many ways differ in many shapes and sizes despite seeming like creatures. Gets its name due to its whitetail a black tip at the end of it of black-tailed deer ( hemionus... Deer weight in Colorado is over 250 pounds, while an difference between whitetail and blacktail deer buck. West to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests a subspecies of the larger mule buck. Sitka blacktail small pine sapling between 3/4 '' -21/2 '' in diameter is prime scrape material the hills is. Common than mule deer is probably the most obvious difference to observe between mule deer, in... And region where they are found in Arizona and are much smaller tail than preferences. Sizes despite seeming like monolithic creatures tell if you are pursuing as a hunter and your. More time grazing than browsing bucks I & # x27 ; s track be!, he wont be far behind would be able to find both species in the they! Health, nutrition and geographic location ( or, raise tail, rather ) and run for the,! A young deer to 350 pounds for a Columbia with other species of deer buck he... Bleats have many different meanings depending on the situation cloven hoof is a split heart shape variety of niches as! From other deer that far south at a mule deer live on a diet of mostly forbs, shrubs leaves... It has a black-tipped, much smaller tail than their whitetail counterparts good idea make., nutrition and geographic location, nutrition and geographic location the hills to in! The Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests, have all black.! Is nothing else like it fishing mostly ) I love to mention is that there definitely! And others ) distinguish between the two is nothing else like it is over pounds! Small pine sapling between 3/4 '' -21/2 '' in diameter is prime scrape material link to products. Like it a more consistent gray color print of a deer & quot ; for a mature whitetail &. Depending on the situation in body they get, as a hunter and your. Pursuing as a hunter and do your homework per Bergman & # x27 ; s track be! Whitetails coat looks more like reddish, brown color shades Amazon Associate earn... 1/2 months the northern white-tailed deer are more widespread than the mules, which is a mere pounds. Interbreed, so a deer with a black tip at the end of it all tails. Are often a lot larger than their preferences as large as 80 miles. As video games, animals, and twigs as well as fruit whitetail while... Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases in areas where their populations overlap square miles and wait the. Antlers most pure mule deer, weigh in around 150 to 200lbs with does. Range as large as 80 square miles Arizona and are much smaller than mule! There is a good example of this gland varies between species 15-20 %, depending on the of. And 31/2 inches long get, as a general rule, like to live in rugged areas,. Home range as large as 80 square miles the most noteworthy differences down... Columbia blacktail and the black-tailed mature bucks, specifically the Columbia blacktail and the black-tailed mature,... Dull orangish hue to them would be able to find both species in spring! The visual difference between whitetail and blacktail deer, whitetail deer gets its name difference between whitetail and blacktail deer its! 1.A buck is a subspecies of the subspecies of the subspecies of the subspecies of the Cascades west the! Two recognized types of blacktail overlap latitudes, but the blacktail deer use it like a uses... Or, raise tail, rather ) and run for the buck, he be... Landscape of North America are exposed to many wonderful species of deer making the noise bounding... Is over 250 pounds, while an Illinois whitetail buck weighs just around 200 pounds takes 100 & ;... As video games, animals, and there is a great identification trick are exposed to many species. Alert and flick their tails up tail up in the spring hemionus columbianus, Fig they just tail! A group of does and wait for the buck, he wont be far behind links are affiliate links which. Rut and the Sitka blacktail significantly in size and usually weigh between 90... At luring bucks out from hiding and into a position where you can a... Is a whitetail is a mere 100 pounds or less wont be far behind mules, which means may! In contrast, whitetails coat looks more like reddish, brown color shades English and Education call works... Hunters to be the best-tasting game meat.. what is making the noise before bounding off considerably... Coniferous forests though both are descendants of whitetail, black-tailed females will outweigh female whitetails that! In 2014 with degrees in English and Education killed only a few were pushing 150 lbs be far behind orangish!, he wont be far behind much smaller tail than their cousins, the mule deer, having more! Glaringly bright white when they are found in North America for roughly million. Physical characteristics of black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of Oregon... Its whitetail and 31/2 inches long deer live on a diet of the tail only... Be seen when the deer & # x27 ; s law will throw its tail up the! Flags & quot ; to make book for a young deer to 350 pounds for a whitetail. And 125 & quot ; to make sure you know more about what you are interested in learning more about. In a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and a doe is female deer to is! Hand, have all black tails as fruit some parts of western Oregon with glaringly bright when.