Sharing Space with Mule Deer

Spring time at Promontory means our wild life will be raising their young.  Mule deer will be delivering their fawns late May, early June.  It’s reported that mule deer are much less afraid of humans than other deer species. Do not approach the deer.  Like all deer, mulies are unable to detect motionless objects, but their eyesight is extraordinarily sensitive to moving objects. The mule deer’s sense of hearing and smell are also extremely acute. Because of their acute smell they will find plants, shrubs and trees to eat and enjoy visiting the same areas to eat.

The mule deer  gets its name from its large mule-like ears. Adult male mule deer are called bucks, adult females are called does, and young of both sexes are called fawns. The black-tailed deer is considered by some a distinct species though it is classified as a subspecies of the Mule Deer. Unlike its cousin, the white-tailed deer, mule deer are generally more associated with the land west of the Missouri River. The most noticeable differences between whitetails and mule deer are the color of their tails and configuration of their antlers. The mule deer’s tail is black tipped. Mule deer antlers are bifurcated, or “fork” as they grow rather than branching from a single main beam (as with white-tails).

The mule deer is the largest of the Odocoileus genus, standing, on the average, 40 to42 inches  at the shoulders and stretching 80 inches  or so nose to tail. An adult buck will weigh from 150-300 pounds  on the hoof, with Does  averaging 125-175 pounds .http://www.promontoryclub.com/natural_resources/mammalsDetails.php?MammalName=Mule%20Deer

Members and Guests at Promontory are advised to drive cautiously and not to feed any of the deer.  Stay on the trail system and be aware of other animals that may be in the area.  Stay your distance.

Promontory’s conservancy can help you with any questions or concerns you may have about the wild life on property.

Enjoy the beauty of Spring at Promontory!  More Country. More Club

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