Over the past several months, inquiries have been made with regard to choosing between farming white-tailed deer and mule deer. Many new onlookers have been bewildered when trying to decide. While we can not dictate the choosing of one species over the other, what we can do is attempt to uncover the differences as well as the similarities. By no means are we attempting to discredit or accredit either species.
Markets
Markets for both white-tail and mule deer at this time seem to be paralleling one another. There are no specific markets where one species really out-shines the other. While it is true that mule deer are a larger bodied animal and would produce more meat per carcass, there is no evidence at this time to prove either meat to be more desirable than the other. Another point which keeps surfacing is the hunt ranch. Many feel that the demand for white-tail will surpass the demand for mule deer. Again it is true that the white-tail is highly revered as the ultimate hunt, but there are many arguments that the mule deer is far more rare and will be just as highly sought after. Velvet is one other market where the mule deer is able to produce higher quantities, as the antler structure is larger, but to date no research has been done to test the composition of nutritional value differences. As far as urine, pizzels, and hides are concerned, there is no evidence thus far as to market preference.
Feeding & Shelter
Feed costs for deer can only be calculated on a per farm basis, as feeding for both species is still somewhat in the infancy stages. White-tails have been reported to consume larger portions of feed per day in the spring and summer, while in the cold of winter drop their consumption considerably. Mule deer it seems are proving to maintain condition on a small ration per head per day year round. Reports have shown that producers may have been over-feeding their mule deer in the past.
However, individual farms have been reporting that the requirements for mule deer need to have more attention paid to mineral requirements and supplemental feeding.
Much research is still needed on the fundamental nutritional requirements of both species. Mulies do not seem as adept to traditional farming techniques (feeding larger portions rapidly to gain better condition) and do require more nutritional knowledge on the part of the caretaker. Once browse tends to run short, the mule deer condition may deteriorate. There has been a feed supplement developed which has been showing promise with the condition of mule deer. This supplement attempts to respond to the mineral requirements lacking in non-free ranging mule deer.
Both species seem to adapt well to either pail feeding or the use of self feeders. Preference seems to be that of the caretaker. As well, shelter requirements are much the same.
Temperament
The mule deer tends to be a subdued, calm animal and can become quite adept to humans. Reports from mule, mule/white-tail farmers claim the mule will become very comfortable with the caretaker and is likely to become accustomed to being handled and worked around. According to these same producers, mule deer do not seem to become agitated or overly aggressive during the rut.
The white-tail tends to need attention paid to caution, when handling. As this animal is somewhat more timid and excitable, one needs to take care not to startle or agitate the animal unnecessarily.
White-tails tend to have very strict hierarchy and may be somewhat more stringent with the groups they run with. During fawning, the white-tail will also become quite territorial with other does but will not tend to become aggressive.
Disease
Many of the same diseases affect both white-tail and mule deer. However there are certain diseases that will occur more often in one species than the other. One should do their own research on this topic.
Fencing Requirements
Fencing heights, materials, and predator control standards are the same for both species. Design also tends to run very closely for both types of deer. Both tend to be handled easier in a light controlled environment.
Reproduction
Both the white-tail and mule deer are consistent bearers of twins, and the gestation period is approximately 200 days for both. Birth weights for mule deer and white-tail fawns are very similar. White-tails do seem to have an earlier birthing time, usually the first week in June, while the Mulies tend to fawn about one week later. Neither deer have a reputation for fawning problems or requiring assistance.
Summary
As you can see the similarities between these animals are quite remarkable. The key seems to be in preference more so than any other one factor. Just as some people prefer a Ford to a Dodge, so is it with White-tails and Mulies.
If you tend to have a love for a large bodied, calm animal that requires maybe a little more homework and knowledge, then the Mule deer is the animal for you.
If you tend to like something with a little more fiest and spunk, that requires maybe a little more calmness and physiology, then the White-tail is your choice.
No one can tell you what animal to raise, it is up to the individual to seek out as much information as possible. The more you understand each species the less "surprises" there will be. Both animals are quite enjoyable to raise, you must decide whether the white-tail or mule deer ( or maybe both) appeal to you.
