Region Archery General Boreal late Aug. to late Oct. early Sept. to late Nov. Mountains late Aug. to late Nov. mid Sept. Mule deer get their name from their large, mule-like ears. Mule deer can be identified by their tails and antlers. The thin, brown tail has a black tip and is surrounded by a white rump patch. The beam of each antler divides into two equal tines, and in older bucks these may divide again.
Mule deer have the same acute senses of smell, sight and hearing as have white-tailed deer.
However, unlike the wary white-tail, mule deer are often inquisitive. When alarmed and running, they often stop for a last look before bounding out of sight. They exhibit a distinct, stiff-legged, bouncing gait when running. In Alberta, the rut usually occurs in November. One or two spotted fawns are born to each doe the following spring.