North Dakota Game and Fish Department manages two species of deer

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The North Dakota Recreation and Fish Division manages two species of deer in our state, and on this week’s phase of North Dakota Outside Mike Anderson explains the distinction between the 2.

The 2 species of deer in North Dakota are white-tailed deer and mule deer. And its fairly apparent how they received their names.

“The whitetail received its title as a result of it has an enormous white tail. The mule deer received its title as a result of it has huge ears like a mule,” mentioned NDGF huge sport biologist Invoice Jensen.

Mule deer largely inhabit western North Dakota however will also be seen in small pockets within the japanese a part of the state. White-tailed deer may be discovered most anyplace.

“Whitetail, you understand, they primarily advanced in additional of a wooded, forested setting. Whereas mule deer are predominantly in additional open, arid nation and rugged terrain,” mentioned Jensen.

The antlers additionally differ between these two deer species.

“The antlers of a mule deer are bifurcated, or they divide after which divide once more. In order that’s fairly distinctive. Whereas the antlers on a whitetail, the principle beam comes up, goes out and curls ahead,” mentioned Jensen.

Whereas whitetails have huge white tail, the mule deer’s tail is sort of a bit totally different.

“The tail of a mule deer it’s not as closely furred. It tends to be form of ropey with a black tip, however they’ve an enormous white butt, that’s their main signaling message on hair coloration,” mentioned Jensen.

Jensen says you’ll be able to determine these deer species by their differing gaits after they sense hazard.

“The mule deer has form of a particular gait the place when alarmed it bounces throughout the panorama, it’s known as stotting. Whereas whitetail simply are likely to have an all-out bolt run,” mentioned Jensen.

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