If you ask any North American the first animal that comes to mind when you mention hunting, the vast majority of your responses would likely be “a deer.” The white-tailed deer is a symbol of adventure and the great outdoors to hunters and non-hunters alike. But what about the other species of deer that call North America home?
White-tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer is the smallest of the three deer species discussed here. They are easily identified by their characteristic white tail, which they raise up in the air when they are alarmed. White-tailed deer are found throughout much of North America, from southern Canada all the way down to Central America. They typically inhabit wooded areas, but can also be found in open fields and meadows.
When it comes to hunting for white tailed deer, there are a few factors that you need to consider. First, the ideal time to spot deer is right before dawn and at dusk, as these are the times when they are most active. Of course, being out in the woods during these hours requires a lot of patience and stealth, as you will be competing with other hunters who are also eager to track down a trophy buck.
In addition, it’s important to think about where you will be hunting in relation to the deer’s natural habitat. For example, white tailed deer tend to stay near heavily forested areas with plenty of water sources. Consider asking local experts or doing some research on your own using maps and satellite imagery to better understand where you can expect to find white tailed deer and what the odds are of scoring a big kill. Book a trip with a professional hunting guide on HuntAnywhere.com for an unforgettable experience!
Black-tailed Deer
The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule deer (discussed below), and is related to the white-tailed deer. They are very similar in appearance to white-tails, with the main difference between the two species being the color of their tails. Black-tailed deer have, you guessed it, black tails. These deer are found along the west coast of North America, from California up into British Columbia. They tend to inhabit more arid regions than white-tailed deer, and can often be found in open grasslands or scrublands.
If you’re looking to hunt for black-tailed deer, there are a few areas that you should focus on. The first is forests or open wooded areas with dense underbrush. As these animals are known to build their daytime homes in thick vegetation, they are likely to be found in these types of habitats.
Additionally, coastal regions can be great hunting grounds for black tailed deer. Not only do these areas offer the plants and shrubs that these deer love to eat, but the steep, forested terrain helps protect them from potential predators.
Finally, rivers and streams can be great places for seeking out this shy deer species. These areas provide excellent hunting spots due to their excellent water supply as well as plentiful marshland that black tailed deer love to frequent during certain times of the year.
Mule Deer
The mule deer is the largest of the three deer species discussed here. Mule deer get their name from their large ears, which are similar to those of a mule. These deer are found throughout much of western North America, from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the coast. They typically inhabit forested areas, but can also be found in open meadows or fields.
If you’re looking to cross a Mule Deer off of your hit list, consider the following. First, these animals tend to favor habitats with lots of grass and brush, making areas like foothills and canyons ideal spots for finding them.
Second, mule deer usually graze on plants that are in the early stages of growth, such as young shrubs or new spring shoots. This not only helps them to get the nutrients they need to survive but also makes them easier to spot against their surroundings.
Finally, although these deer are generally solitary creatures that don’t like disturbances, they can sometimes be found in larger groups during certain times of the year and in specific locations. For example, fall is a good time to find mule deer grazing together in open meadows with rich soil, while winter is a good time to find them near sheltering cliffs or creek bottoms where tree cover provides protection from harsh conditions.
Now that you know a little bit more about the three different types of deer in North America, you’ll be able to identify them the next time you’re out hunting. Knowing which deer species you’re after will help you choose the best hunting location and tactics. Happy hunting!