Deer in Arizona

Arizona has two major deer species: Mule Deer - (Odocoileus hemionus) and White-Tail Deer - (Odocoileus virginianus). Mule deer (left) are usually a dark gray-brown, with a small white rump patch and a small, black-tipped tail. Their large ears are distinctive. White-tail deer are tan in color, with a larger tail. Antlers on mule deer tend to be larger than white-tail deer and rise up over the head; the prongs are also forked. Prongs of white-tail antlers are single, and grow off the main tine; they tend to grow forward towards the eyes. Average weights are 225 and 125 pounds (mule deer buck and doe) and 125 and 80 pounds (white-tail buck and doe). See White Mountains Online.

The deer above was lying about 50 yards from the rim of the Grand Canyon.