North American Deer Population (1450-2000)

Currently viewing: 1450 to 2000

North American Deer Species

White-tailed Deer

  • Scientific name: Odocoileus virginianus
  • Distinguishing features: White underside of tail, single beam antlers with tines
  • Habitat: Forests, grasslands, farmlands across most of North America

Mule Deer

  • Scientific name: Odocoileus hemionus
  • Distinguishing features: Large ears, black-tipped tail, forked antlers
  • Habitat: Mountains, foothills, plains of western North America

Black-tailed Deer

  • Scientific name: Odocoileus hemionus columbianus/sitkensis
  • Distinguishing features: Smaller size, entirely black tail when lowered
  • Habitat: Coastal forests from California to Alaska
Estimated U.S. Deer Population, 1450 to 2016 Year 2000 to 2016 estimated from combined sources from state agencies. Year 1450 to 1999 white-tailed based on VerCauteren (2003) and McCabe & McCabe (1984). Year 1911 to 1999 mule deer, black-tailed, and other from state population and harvest data. Year 1450 to 1910 mule deer, black-tailed, and other from historical sources.