Mule Deer
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The mule deer gets its name from its large ears, which remind people of those seen on a mule. They go by another name as well, burro deer. They are usually a bit larger than their cousins, the North American white-tailed deer. The males of the species, commonly known as bucks, are taller, longer, and thicker throughout their bodies than those of the females, known simply as does.
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The coat of a mule deer is gray to a reddish-brown for summer months, but for winter months it turns a good bit darker to a brown and gray color. The bottom half of the coat is usually lighter than the upper half while the rump area is much lighter, almost cream colored or white – similar to an elk. Another white patch can be found under the throat of the mule deer, and they often have dark markings, like a mask, on their heads near and around their eyes. This mask is much more noticeable in males than females.
Mule Deer shed their antlers annually in the spring, much like white-tailed deer and elk, with younger bucks losing theirs after mature males. The antlers do regrow and will actually reach their full size again in about 150 days. A buck will grow his largest racks after his first three years, where a mature buck may typically grow a total of eight tines with four on each antler main beam. It is also common for bucks to grow any number of tines, which is determined by age, diet, and genetics.
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