Easily Identify Deer

Resource for deer information, identification, and links to deer product websites.


Deer Species

There are many species of deer. In North America, the two most common are the Whitetail Deer and the Mule Deer.

 

Whitetail Deer

Scientific Name: Odocoileus Virginianus

Whitetail Deer

 

  • Sometimes referred to as Virginia Deer
  • White fur under tail, clearly visible when the deer flags, or lifts it's tail when on alert
  • Antlers branch with tines coming up from a single main beam
  • Move with a running mothion
  • Usually a bit smaller than a mule deer

Mule Deer

Scientific Name: Odocoileus Hemionus

Mule Deer

 

  • Large, mule like ears
  • Black tip on tail
  • Habitat primarily in western North America
  • Antlers fork into two main beams and continue forking from there rather than branching from a single beam
  • Move with a bounding leap rather than running
  • Usually a larger, stackier deer