Description

The Mule Deer, Odocoileus hemionus, is a popular big game mammal. There are mule deer different subspecies, and the most common species are the Desert Mule Deer, Odocoileus hemionus crooki, and the Rocky Mountain Mule Deer, Odocoileus hemionus hemionus. I will focus on the Desert Mule Deer to give an idea on the distinction between the average White-tailed Deer and the Mule deer. The Desert Mule Deer is the largest of any deer found in Texas. It also has large ears to allow for better hearing and a longer tail. The Desert Mule Deer buck can reach weights of up to 200 pounds with a full field dressing. The average buck is about 140 pounds when it is at its peak body size. The peak body size is reached near the Six and a half-year mark. The average weight of a doe is about 72 pounds at the same time.