Mule Deer

Belonging to the same family as moose and elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer are plentiful in number around the state of Montana.

  • The best time for viewing mule deer is either at dawn or dusk.
  • They are most frequently spotted in the Taylor Fork drainage, the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, the Madison River Valley, and the national forest surrounding Yellowstone National Park.
  • You can spot a mule deer year-round on hillsides in the area.

Overview

Mule deer are named for their large ears – an exellent adaptation for hearing predators from far away. Their typical coat color is gray in the winter and brownish in summer. A white patch is found on their chin, throat, and rump. They have a black tip on their tail that they keep down as they run. Their antlers fork as they grow rather than branch from a single main beam (like their cousin, the white-tailed deer).

Interesting Facts

  • Mule deer have no upper teeth
  • On the outside of the hind foot, there is a slit-like scent gland that can be up to seven inches long
  • Bucks can weigh up to 275 lbs and does will weigh up to 180 lbs.
  • Instead of running, mule deer move with a bounding leap, keeping all feet together.
  • The rut season (mating season) occurs around November. One to two fawns are born in June per doe.

Best Places for Viewing Mule Deer

Like most animals, the best time for viewing mule deer is either at dawn or dusk. In the mountain foothills during summer months, mule deer are widely distributed in forests and subalpine areas. In the winter, they are found at lower elevations in open shrub slopes. In Big Sky, you can spot a mule deer year- round on hillsides in the area.

Respecting Wildlife

  • Give mule deer plenty of space. 25 yards is generally a safe distance for wildlife viewing.
  • When viewing mule deer from your vehicle, use only roadside pullouts to avoid causing a deer-jam.
  • Do not feed mule deer or any other wildlife.

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