At higher elevations, the fawns are born early after the last spring storms to allow the young to grow large enough to withstand the winter storms. Bucks are polygamous and fight for a harem of does during the winter breeding season.Īfter a gestation period of about 190 days, the does give birth to spotted fawns, often twins. It is in preparation for the rut that mule deer grow antlers. Each year in the spring, after the breeding season has passed, antlers are shed.
Antlers are composed of material similar to that of bone. When fully grown, the antlers harden, the velvet dries, and is rubbed off. The velvet supplies blood to the growing antlers, which are soft.
The antlers grow under a layer of skin called velvet. The size and number of 'points' is dependent on a combination of age, nutrition, and genetic background. Typical mule deer antler configuration has each side branching equally into two main beams, each may fork into two tines. Adult bucks may weigh in excess of 200 pounds and stand up to 42 inches at the shoulder. The mule deer is the larger of Arizona's deer. Mule deer have white rump patches and short, narrow, black-tipped white tails. Its forehead is much darker than its face, while its throat, belly and inner leg are white. Coat color is reddish-brown in summer, turning to a blue-gray in winter.
The mule deer gets its name from its large ears. Generally they prefer the more rugged country. Mule deer are not limited to any one type of terrain, being found from sparse, low deserts to high forested mountains. The most abundant deer in Arizona is the Rocky Mountain mule deer. The state has two distinct species, the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The most numerous, widespread and popular of Arizona's big-game animals are deer.