You’re driving down the road when you see a deer in headlights… But, what kind of deer is it? After all, there’s more to deer than just antlers.

Otherwise known as Cervidae, the deer family is pretty broad. In fact, there are 43 species of deer.

But with members ranging from whitetail, elk, reindeer, red deer, and every dear deer in-between, how are you supposed to tell the difference?

Let’s explore the fundamental differences between 10 of the types of deer you’re likely to either encounter or hear about.

• Whitetail Deer
• Blacktail Deer
• Coues Deer
• Mule Deer
• Red Deer
• Chital / Axis Deer
• Elk
• Reindeer
• Sika Deer
• Vampire Deer (Musk Deer)

1. Whitetail Deer

This medium-sized mammal is native to the Americas, weighing in at anywhere from under 100 lbs to over 300 lbs.

Doe (female deer) can weigh anywhere between under 100 lbs to 200 lbs.

White-tailed deer can sometimes be challenging to identify at first glance, as their coats change color seasonally. They can be found with reddish-brown coats under the summer sun, trading these in for more grayish-brown substitutes as winter closes in.

The white-tailed deer, usually referred to simply as the whitetail, earned its name thanks to the prominent white marking under its tail. (If a whitetail deer has piebaldism, it can lead to some unique and stunning markings.)

While the whitetail’s tail is primarily used to warn fellow deer when danger is near, this white marking also helps explorers and hunters distinguish the whitetail from other deer.

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This particular deer is also unique in terms of body language. Whitetails are known to showcase various postures, including the “ear drop” to send other deer away, the “hard look” to show anger, the “antler threat” to display dominance, and the fighting stance to prepare for battle, so to speak.

During the breeding season, or “rut,” bucks (males) can often be found making violent antler contact, testing each other’s strength for the right to breed receptive does. This battle normally ends when one deer is too tired to continue but can also end in the death of one or both bucks.

Sometimes when fighting, bucks can get their antlers entangled with each other, unable to break apart. In these instances, bucks can even die if they cannot get separated.

Whitetail deer are a highly sought after game animal by rifle hunters as well as bowhunters.

2. Blacktail Deer

Normally found across the hills of Central California and the mountainous region of Alaska, the Columbian black-tailed deer is a sub-species of the mule deer.

The blacktail is slightly smaller than most mule deer or his white-tailed cousin, though. Like white-tailed deer, blacktail also change their coat colors, from a reddish-brown in summer to a brownish-gray in winter.

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Blacktail are normally easy to spot by their ears, which move independently. This particular deer’s broad tail is totally black or dark brown at the top, with a white patch underneath.

This would make him easy to confuse with the white-tail, were it not for his distinctive dark brown antlers with symmetrical branching and easily-identifiable stocky bodies with long, slender legs.

Black-tailed deer weigh in at about 130 pounds, but can reach closer to 200. While blacktail males have antlers, their female counterparts do not – and male fawns start growing antlers at about 6-8 months old.

Blacktail can normally be found in forested mountains on the pacific coast, where the climate is mild and cool with plenty of rainfall. Blacktail live off a diet of acorns, fungi, lichen, nuts, berries, and shrubs

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3. Coues Deer

This specific kind of white-tailed deer is among the most commonly found across the South-Eastern mountains of Arizona, especially during the rainy summertime.

Coues can be found in woodlands where there is plenty of oak, chaparral, and pine.

Coues deer are known for their distinctive antlers. The coues’ mean beam curves forward, and more mature coues have 3-4 tines on each side.

When it comes to coat, the coues is normally grayish-brown with specks of “salt and pepper,” and white patches underneath. The coues’ most distinguishing trait is his long and broad tail, which is grayish-red-black on top and white underneath.

Coues deer are normally quite small, and fawns are known to stay close to their mothers for longer than other deer.

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4. Mule Deer

Mule deer are commonly spotted in deserts across North and South America, flaunting large ears that first granted them their name.

The mule deer’s tail appears to have been dipped in black ink, and his antlers are forked.

You’ll also find a distinctive white patch on either hind side, which easily differentiates the mule deer from any other deer in America. The mule deer sports a grayish-brown coat, making it easier for him to adapt to his unique climate in desert areas.

Mule deer, often referred to as muleys, normally range from about 3 feet tall at the shoulders to a towering 7 feet (including antlers), weighing up to 280 pounds.

In addition to the whitetail, the mule deer is also one of the types of deer sought after by hunters.

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5. Red Deer

The Red deer (Cervus elaphus), Britain’s largest land mammal, can weigh anywhere from 90 kg to 190 kg (around 100 to 225 lbs). They stand up to 1.37 meters (4-1/2 ft) tall at the shoulder, and can normally be found in wooded lowland areas.

But, the part of this deer’s anatomy that sets it apart from other deer so distinctly, is its noticeably large head and wide-spaced brown eyes.

A male red deer is called a stag. His antlers are perhaps his most distinctive feature – highly branched with multiple points on each.

The Red Stag’s antler branches increase with age at an angle.

Another unmistakable trait of the Red Stag are its hoof prints, otherwise known as “slots.” These are often mistaken for sheep or goat’s marks.

Red Stags can actually be found all across the globe, boasting a strong presence on most continents. 

Most naturally occurring populations of Red Stag span across the UK and into parts of Northern Africa and  Southwest Asia, with Scotland and the Netherlands being known for their large populations. 

Red Stag have historically been a prime species for transplantation, considering their size, beauty, and the large market for hunting Red Stag. 

Due to this, there are now large populations of Red Stag in Argentina, Chile, Australia, and several other countries where they were transplanted and have since thrived. 

Their breeding season, or “Rut” for red stag lasts from September through early October, in which Red Stag’s are known the become extremely competitive and sometimes aggressive.

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6. Chital / Axis Deer

The Chital Deer, otherwise known as the axis deer, boasts unique characteristics that set it apart – one of which is the white spots that never go away. These speckled dots stay in place from youth through to adulthood, normally covering the entire body and spanning down the legs too. These spots make the axis deer one of the most easily recognized types of deer.

The Chital Deer also has a rather long muzzle topped off with a dark black nose.

The axis deer normally weighs anywhere from 60 pounds to 170 pounds, depending on the region and habitat.

An interesting feature of male axis deer are their antlers, which normally have six points. However, more dominant bucks are found with more than this, making them significant trophies.

The axis deer were introduced in the United States in the 1930’s. The state of Texas has the highest population of axis deer in the U.S.

The axis deer is normally found living in secondary land areas, around glades where there is plenty to eat. The axis deer’s hoof shape prevents them from walking well on rugged terrain. So, they tend to avoid these types of areas.

The axis deer tend to be more social than other types of deer.

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7. Elk

This member of the deer family is found primarily in the Western United States and Southern Canada.

The elk’s history is complex, with most being killed by Western U.S. settlers by the early 1900’s. The sole survivors were found mostly in the region just west of the Rocky Mountains.

Thankfully, reintroduction efforts were successful, and the elk can be found in many areas today – towering tall at 4-5 feet high at the shoulder. Some even reach up to 9 feet or higher, counting antler height.

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You can spot an Elk from a distance, with a copper brown coat. This can change to light tan during the Fall and Winter months.

Elk are also easily noticeable by their rump patch, and short light-brown tail. Elk can be found feeding on all types of plants, mostly grass. Although, elk also enjoy twigs, forbs, fir, juniper, aspen, and chokeberry. They also love shrubs, particularly during the cold winter months.

Elk predators include cougars, wolves, coyotes, and bears, which often kill calves and sick adults.

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8. Reindeer

This Christmas “legend” is actually a real deer. The male reindeer is unique among the rest, easily identifiable mainly by its antlers.

Other distinctive characteristics include his broad hooves, wide muzzle, and extra-thick brown fur.

These majestic creatures are a medium-sized member of the deer family, found across forests, mountains, and arctic tundra in Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and Northern China.

Reindeer normally travel in massive herds and live in the wild for about a decade.

More domesticated reindeer are herded by Asian Artic and European peoples.

Reindeer are herbivores, and spend most of the day grazing. During the cold winter months, Reindeer can be found grazing on moss and lichens, leaves and herbs.

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How To Tell The Difference Between a Reindeer And A “Regular Deer”

A common question is, what’s the difference between a deer and a reindeer?

When most ask this question, what they really mean is how are whitetail deer and reindeer different? So, let’s cover a few distinctive differences.

Reindeer vs. Whitetail Deer: Key Differences

While reindeer and whitetail deer do in fact share some similarities, they have distinct differences that set them apart. Here’s a few of the ways in which they differ:

1. Habitat and Range

• Reindeer: Also known as caribou in North America, reindeer are native to the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They are well adapted to cold climates and are commonly found in tundra and boreal forest habitats.
• Whitetail Deer: Whitetail deer are native to the Americas and have a wide range that spans from Canada to the northern regions of South America. They thrive in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and even suburban areas.

2. Physical Characteristics

• Reindeer: Reindeer are larger and stockier than whitetail deer, and they have a dense coat that helps them survive in their colder habitats. They have broad, rounded hooves. Both males and female reindeer grow antlers, although those of males are typically larger.
• Whitetail Deer: Whitetail deer are generally smaller and leaner compared to reindeer. They have a lighter coat that varies in color from reddish-brown in summer to grayish-brown in winter. Only male whitetails grow antlers, which they shed and regrow each year.

3. Behavior and Social Structure

• Reindeer: Reindeer are known for their migratory behavior, often traveling long distances between their summer and winter ranges. They live in herds, which can vary in size from small groups to large aggregations of hundreds.
• Whitetail Deer: Whitetail deer are more solitary compared to reindeer, although they do form small groups, especially in winter. They are less migratory, with movements typically limited to their home range or territory. During the rut, male whitetails will have broken off from their “bachelor groups” and compete with other bucks for breeding rights.

4. Diet

• Reindeer: Reindeer are herbivores that feed on a diet of lichens, mosses, grasses, and shrubs. Their diet is well adapted to the cold, harsh conditions of the Arctic.
• Whitetail Deer: Whitetail deer have a more varied diet than reindeer that includes leaves, fruits, nuts, and vegetation. They are more flexible in their eating habits, adjusting their diet based on seasonal availability. For example, if they may feed primarily on acorns in early Fall and once that food source is gone, move on to other vegetation or food sources.

5. Adaptations

• Reindeer: Adapted to extreme cold, reindeer have specialized nasal passages to warm the air they breathe and thick fur for insulation.
• Whitetail Deer: Whitetail deer can adapt to a wider range of temperatures and environmental conditions. They have less tolerance for cold weather than reindeer, but are highly adaptable to various habitats.
  

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9. Sika Deer

Sika deer, also know as Cervus nippon, are an elegant and fascinating species that hold a special place among deer enthusiasts. The Sika deer are native to East Asia and these deer have made their mark in various parts of the world due to introductions and escapes from captivity.

The Sika deer’s unique appearance sets it apart from other deer. These medium-sized deer usually stand between 2.5 to 3.5 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 90 to 150 pounds.

Sika deer are recognized by their coat, which changes with the seasons. In the summer, their coat is a reddish-brown with white spots that blend seamlessly into their forested habitats. As winter approaches, their fur darkens to a grayish-brown, offering better camouflage against the snow.

One distinguishing feature of the Sika deer is its striking white rump patch, which is surrounded by a black border. This patch is particularly noticeable when the deer are alarmed or fleeing, serving as a warning signal to others in the herd.

In the wild, Sika deer prefer forested areas with a mix of open clearings and dense vegetation. They are often found in deciduous forests, coniferous woodlands, and even marshy areas. This adaptability has allowed them to establish populations in places as diverse as the United States, Europe, and New Zealand.

Sika deer are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. During these times, they graze on grasses, leaves, shoots, and fruits. Sika deer are also known to browse on woody plants, particularly in the winter, when other food sources may be scarce.

By understanding and appreciating the unique characteristics of Sika deer, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike can contribute to the conservation of this remarkable species.

10. Vampire Deer (Musk Deer)

Otherwise known as musk deer, these “vampires” are actually quite shy and prone to voluntary solitary confinement.

These gentle, nocturnal creatures differ from other cervids, due to their lack of antlers and facial glands. They earned their name through their distinctive sharp vampire-like “fangs.” The over-sized canine teeth are impossible to miss.

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Take note of his over-sized ears, exceptionally short tail, and lack of antlers. Traits like these make the vampire deer one of the easiest kinds to spot. His coat is grayish-brown, and his hair long and brittle.

While their name and long fangs might scare you off, this unique Asian deer is actually harmless. You’ll normally find him in mountainous regions, like the Himalayas or Siberia.

By Jerald Kopp

I consider myself a 365 hunter. That means, among other things, that I do a lot of scouting during the off-season. This goes for familiar and new hunting properties alike and it’s always paid dividends. In my mind, it matters.

Shortly after the whitetail season, I carefully seek new buck bedding areas and check known ones. Likewise, I look for new trails. Sure, there are those known heavy paths that deer traditionally travel on properties. However, it’s always common for new ones to surface. It’s the new ones that need learning on an ongoing basis.

You don’t need deer sign to shoot a buck? I disagree. Sure, you can study aerial property views and hunting apps, but there is no substitute for putting your eyeballs on the hard facts.

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Remote Control

Whether a 20-acre micro-property or a ten thousand-acre hunting mecca, the reflex action is often to seek and study heavy timber, thick creek basins, and ag field-hugging woodlots. And often these places are in the thick of things. That is, in the middle of the ranch and in hard to reach places.

This is, where the mature bucks are. These have to be the honey holes, right? There is certainly a mystique about these remote deer havens.

Though hunters differ in how much they are willing to pressure these areas, most will walk them; or at least areas adjacent to them. It’s in these sections where trails, rub lines, scrapes and bedding areas are discovered or confirmed.

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Optimal Setups Determined

Finding these heavily visited and traveled areas leads to deer stand location strategies. Most of us already know this. It’s no shocker that we often see old rotted boards within and atop old trees next to heavy game trails.

Whitetails, especially bucks, tend to follow the path of least resistance. And, unless you hunt an extremely large property, free-range deer commonly cross food sources, draws, and fence lines. The latter seemingly is often ignored. So…

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Don’t Ignore Fence Lines

It seems that we often fail to see the elephant in the room – or in the case of deer scouting, the worn dirt found through property boundaries. Whether because we think we already know all the crossings or it just doesn’t cross our minds, it’s too valuable a piece of intel to overlook. These days, on regular and known grounds, I annually walk the fence lines for travel sign.

Whitetails create new routes all the time and, for that matter, can disregard old ones. The latter can happen for a variety of reasons such as new hunter pressure. In fact, I recently walked the boundaries of my latest property (in June) and found two new trails; and one of them lead directly to a bedding area not 150-yards from one of my tree stands.

Score!

It’s for this reason that it’s a great idea to follow through by following such trails as far as you can (or they remain noticeable). Similarly, you can often reverse things and follow interior trails to fence line crossings.

Finally, once the fence line funnel has been identified, set up 200-300 yards away, watch, and verify. Physically witnessing early morning and late evening deer movement through these paths is bowhunter gold.

The only step left at this point is to find a logical location closer to the action. In fact, the early season is a great time to cash in on fence line paths. During this stage, some whitetails are still in their more predictable patterns. There are also still some bachelor groups around.

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Why Did the Buck Cross the Fence?

I can’t think of a punchline, so here goes…

There are various reasons why fence line recon is valuable. Obviously, if there are food and nutrient sources across properties, deer will regularly traverse accordingly. This is common in free-range areas.

Did you ever notice that you see a lot of rubs and scrapes along fence lines? I have. The fact is that even in more open country, fence lines have structure. Trees and other brush typically grow there. Birds drop seeds there and so on.

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It’s sweet edge structure.

Maybe the real question is, other than seeking what’s on the other side, why do whitetails like fence lines?

Deer are naturally edge creatures, hence, preferring edge cover. This is, for example, common in parts of Texas where structure is a logical threshold from which to hit crops or the next brushy section. It’s deemed a safe transition area.

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The Property Line Maestro

Among other things, this all means that, as hunters, we can capitalize on existing cross-property travel patterns.

But what If no natural fence line funnels exist? Simple, create one.

Here we have a chance to do a little behavior modification. Specifically, use the mini woodlots and strips of cover along property boundaries to lead deer to routes favorable to us as hunters. For example, direct them toward grain field edges, small openings, or even open country.

Do some selective brush cutting along the fence. Better yet, lower the fence itself by loosening the top wire and attach it to the next lower one. Cable ties or pieces of wire work well for this. Remember, the path of least resistance. Utilizing these methods may be what it takes to get deer making tracks where you want them to go.

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The Blind Has to Go Here

We know it when we see it. You know, the pocket of brush just inside of a shadowy oak canopy or a natural spot within a clump of cedars. Plus, in smaller woodlots such as these, there are often few choices for blind placement.

For bowhunters, in particular, this allows us to lead whitetails within range of where we want to sit. Also, note that this tactic is particularly effective during early season when some deer (even some bachelor groups) are in their more predictable summer patterns.

Hunting Etiquette and Backpedaling

A couple of qualifiers; First off, this article was written primarily with bowhunting in mind. Secondly, I don’t condone baiting property lines (even where legal). In such states, I don’t even condone placing game feeders within sight of the fence.

At least in my case, scouting and modifying edge structure takes place on cross-fencing within properties, as well as true property boundaries. For the latter, tread lightly and with courtesy.

I can’t define the parameters around property boundary hunting etiquette. There a lot of different ideas out there. In Texas, I was always told that it was bad hunting manners to place a blind within 100 yards of the fence. Admittedly, the vast majority of these hunters were gun hunters.

Obviously, hunting property boundaries is a volatile topic – and for good reason. Hunters have an age-old tradition of preserving acceptable behavior in the woods, and I’m not suggesting anyone should violate it. This tactic has little to do with hunting fence lines. However, it has everything to do with scouting, as well as modifying and capitalizing on whitetail travel patterns.

Over the years, I’ve accumulated a lot of torn jeans and shirts at the hands of barb-wire fences and the brush around them. As a whitetail hunter, I think it’s been well worth it. If you haven’t already done so, walk the perimeter and develop a plan of action. It just may pay big dividends this deer season.