Mule deer are a distinct species from white-tailed deer, thriving in specific regions of Texas. Primarily found in the western reaches, they have adapted to the arid and semi-arid landscapes. Their presence adds a unique dimension to these ecosystems.
Where Mule Deer Roam in Texas
Mule deer in Texas are predominantly found in the Trans-Pecos region, which accounts for approximately 80-85% of the state’s mule deer population. This expansive western area is characterized by its arid, open landscapes, including rocky hillsides and canyons. The Trans-Pecos is home to the desert mule deer subspecies.
Beyond the Trans-Pecos, mule deer also inhabit the Panhandle and the western Edwards Plateau. The Panhandle’s population may include desert and Rocky Mountain subspecies, found in disjunct groups along river tributaries and the caprock escarpment. Relocation efforts from the Trans-Pecos have helped establish them in northern territories since the mid-20th century. The western Edwards Plateau population is located adjacent to the Trans-Pecos along the Pecos River drainage.
Identifying Mule Deer in the Lone Star State
Distinguishing mule deer from white-tailed deer in Texas involves observing several key physical and behavioral traits. Mule deer are named for their characteristically large ears, which are noticeably larger than those of white-tailed deer and resemble those of a mule. When alert, their ears typically measure between 20 to 22 inches from tip to tip.
The antler configuration of mule deer bucks is another distinguishing feature; their antlers are typically bifurcated, meaning they fork into two branches, and each of these branches may fork again. In contrast, white-tailed deer antlers usually have tines that grow off a single main beam.
The tail of a mule deer is narrow and rope-like, cream-colored at the base, and features a distinct black tip. This differs from the white-tailed deer’s broad, white underside of the tail, which is often flagged as a warning.
Mule deer exhibit a unique locomotion called stotting or pronking, where all four feet leave and land simultaneously in a stiff-legged bounce. White-tailed deer typically gallop when fleeing. Mule deer are generally larger, with mature Trans-Pecos bucks averaging around 140 pounds field-dressed. Their coloration ranges from reddish-brown in summer to grayer in winter, sometimes with black markings on their forehead and ears.
Mule Deer Numbers and Preferred Environments in Texas
The mule deer population in Texas fluctuates, ranging from approximately 150,000 during dry periods to 250,000 during wetter conditions. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) conservation efforts, including historic relocations, have helped the species recover from critically low numbers observed in 1945.
Mule deer prefer arid and open environments, including rangelands, desert scrub, rocky hillsides, and canyons. They tend to favor habitats with less than 40% brush cover, distinguishing them from white-tailed deer, which prefer denser brush. Their diets primarily consist of forbs and browse, with native grasses being less preferred.
Rainfall significantly influences mule deer populations, particularly affecting fawn production and overall herd health. Water is an important component of their habitat, with home ranges often established near permanent water sources, ideally distributed about 2.5 miles apart. The specific vegetation they forage on includes sagebrush, juniper, pinyon pine, yellow pine, bitter brush, and mountain mahogany, with lechuguilla and sotol being important in West Texas.