Behavior Mule deer travel more than whitetails do, but the muleys still like something green to eat. They will remain together for several days. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. The habitat varies largely due to the massive range of mule deer across western North … The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is a deer indigenous to western North America; it is named for its ears, which are large like those of the mule. starving mule deer are fed alfalfa hay, corn, or other traditional livestock feeds. This gait offers two advantages: it allows the deer to out-distance predators in rough terrain, and to see above the thick brush. [8], Some authorities have recognized O. h. crooki as a senior synonym of O. h. eremicus, but the type specimen of the former is a hybrid between the mule deer and white-tailed deer, so the name O. h. crooki is invalid. Deer consuming high-fiber, low-starch diets require less food than those consuming high-starch, low-fiber diets. [11], In 99 studies of mule deer diets, some 788 species of plants were eaten by mule deer, and their diets vary greatly depending on the season, geographic region, year, and elevation. What does the mule deer eat? For example, heavy amounts of gastrointestinal nematodes may cause death in Mule Deer. [25] Where available, mule deer also eat a variety of wild mushrooms, which are most abundant in late summer and fall in the southern Rocky Mountains; mushrooms provide moisture, protein, phosphorus, and potassium. The average male deer weighs 200 pounds and the female deer weighs 150 pounds. They do not run as other deer, but have a peculiar and distinctive bounding leap (stotting) over distances up to 8 yards, with all 4 feet coming down together. They have white camouflage spots and are further protected by having little or no scent. Mule deer and black-tailed deer (collectively called mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus) are icons of the American West. Sagebrush is a critical food source for mule deer, especially during winter. Sign up below or read more about the DesertUSA newsletter here. Feeding deer is illegal in some jurisdictions. Genus: Odocoileus More big bucks are killed here every year than in any other state. The females go off by themselves and eventually give birth and nurse their young; the males wander in friendly twosomes or small bands throughout the summer months as antlers grow. The annual cycle of antler growth is regulated by changes in the length of the day. But, due to political opposition to government acquisition of privately owned lands, plus a scarcity of funds for this purpose, only a small fraction of Mule Deer ranges has been acquired by the government. They have a sense of smell that is 1000 times the accuracy of the human sense of smell. If you find the food, you will find the mule deer. When antlers start growing again in the spring, the group breaks up. Because of the tremendous amount of information available concerning white-tailed deer management, many land managers have applied these The mule deer is the larger of the two Odocoileus species on average, with a height of 80–106 cm (31–42 in) at the shoulders and a nose-to-tail length ranging from 1.2 to 2.1 m (3.9 to 6.9 ft). The hunters who have planted BioLogic are reporting good success with feeding different types of deer. Mule Deer moves between various zones from the forest edges at higher elevations to the desert floor, depending on the season. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are the most common large mammal in Idaho. During the summer, the coat on its upper body is yellow- or reddish-brown, while in winter more gray. Its leaves contain higher protein levels than other available shrubs and grasses. These mixes can typically be found at feed mills or pet supply stores. Related Species Purchase formulated deer food mixes. We also have some hunters in the West planting green fields for mule deer. ), The Desert Environment [22][23] In the Sierra Nevada range, mule deer depend on the lichen Bryoria fremontii as a winter food source.[24]. Feet While the Mule Deer occupies almost all types of habitat within its range, it seems to prefer arid, open areas and rocky hillsides. This stocky deer with sturdy legs is 4 to 6-1/2 feet in length and 3 to 3-1/2 feet high at the shoulder. That’s right, it is the correct feed for this time of year. Colorado is widely regarded as the nation’s top mule deer destination. How about woody browse like saplings, briars, and honeysuckle! Ensuring the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. Desert Geological Terms, Home  | About | Contact Us | Feedback | Privacy | Site Outline | Advertising on DesertUSA | Aquis Towels | Hotels. In this fashion, they can reach a speed of 45 m.p.h. Two subspecies of mule deer are grouped into the black-tailed deer. Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine are of major economic importance for commercial timber. This is why we use deer feeder and other sophisticated gear when hunting big bucks. A buck will find a suitable doe and they will often play chase games at breakneck speeds before mating. The high protein content aids top performance to support antler development in bucks and reproductive success in does. They seem to like the arid climate and to live where a variety of different plants are offered as a source of food. During the middle of the day, the Mule Deer beds down in a cool, secluded place. During early weeks of life, the fawn sees its mother only at mealtimes for feeding. Comparisons No matter where you are hunting, high country or western plains…it is all the same. From late spring to early fall, they gain weight and build fat reserves by feeding heavily on broad-leafed plants and grasses. The mature buck seems to prefer rocky ridges for bedding grounds, while the doe and fawn is more likely to bed down in the open. White-tail deer are tan in color, with a larger tail. Mule Deer are browsers and eat a great variety of vegetable matter, including fresh green leaves, twigs, lower branches of trees, and various grasses. Deer kill about 150-170 people each year, from car accidents, and because people underestimate how dangerous they really are. Food of the Mule Deer is quite varied. California mule deer usually … We included plant species in our summary if 2 1 study reported their contribution to the diet as 2 … Browsing of other trees is seldom considered an economic problem. Also, Hoof and Mouth Disease and other diseases can be transmitted from the Deer to the livestock and vice versa.. If you find a patch of mule deer food that’s attracting deer, you can set up within rifle range of the location and then wait for the animals to appear. (It's Free. Of this, the tail may comprise 11.6 to 23 cm (4.6 to 9.1 in). This parasitic disease is usually indicative of such predisposing factors as high Mule Deer density and malnutrition. Conservation These groups must have plenty of space to roam, and a variety of different plants to browse on. Throughout the entire western United States, including the four deserts of the American Southwest [15][17], The size of mule deer groups follows a marked seasonal pattern. mule deer diets in the United States. 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