Knowing the difference between mule deer and white-tailed deer is vitally important when hunting.
Here are the characteristics to keep in mind.
Mule Deer Characteristics
- White rump
- White, rope-like tail with black tip
- Antlers (on older males) branch equally, often ending in a "V"
- Large mule-like ears
- Long slit-like gland on hide legs
- When startled, jump on all 4 legs, called a "pronk"
White-tailed Deer Characteristics
- Tail brown with white fringe, white underneath
- Antlers (on older males) have a main beam with tines pointing upward
- Small ears
- Short slit-like gland on hind legs
- When startled, lift tail and show white "flag"