DIFFERENTIATION OF MULE DEER AND WHITE-TAILED DEER

The mule deer was so named because of the appearance of its ears. Compared to the whitetail\u27s, the mule deer\u27s ears are noticeably oversized, measuring fully one-fourth larger. The whitetail is also well named, for its most distinctive feature is the large tail or flag. The upper surface of the underside is pure white and is often exposed when the deer is fleeing. Instead of a white flag, the mule deer\u27s tail can be more likened to a black-tipped rope. Antlers, too, serve to differentiate the species. In the whitetail, the points on each antler arise from a single main beam, much as the points on a garden rake arise from the iron crosspiece. On the other hand, the mule deer\u27s antlers are basically in the form of the letter V and the upper ends fork to form two smaller “Y’s”. The ends of these may fork also. The whitetail\u27s winter coat has a buff cast while the mule deer\u27s is a plain gray. Both have white bellies; however, the mule deer\u27s brisket is a rich brown. Also, the mule deer\u27s brow has a distinct, dark gray patch. But regardless of physical appearances, the mule deer proclaims its identity in no uncertain terms when he bounds away. Unlike the loping gait characteristic of the whitetail, he bounces along stiff-leggedly, striking all four hoofs at once, reminding you of a boyan a pogo stick