An adult mule deer stands about 3 to 3.5 feet tall at the shoulder. It measures about 4 to 6.5 feet long and weighs about 100 to 330 lbs. Bucks are bigger than does. This guide also covers antlers, mule deer vs whitetail size, mule deer vs blacktail deer size, and how a mule deer compares to a moose.
Mule Deer Size Chart
| Measure | Does | Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder height | About 31–38 in | About 36–42 in |
| Body length | About 4–5.5 ft | About 5–6.9 ft |
| Weight | About 110–165 lbs | About 150–250 lbs (up to 300+) |
Mule Deer Height at the Shoulder
Most adults stand 31 to 42 inches at the shoulder. That is about 2.6 to 3.5 feet. With its head up, a buck looks taller. The large ears add to the look. They run about three-fourths the length of the head.
Mule Deer Weight
Does usually weigh 110 to 165 lbs. Bucks weigh 150 to 250 lbs. Some heavy bucks pass 300 lbs. A few sources list a top end near 330 lbs.
Hunters should know that field-dressed weight is lower than live weight. It is often about 20 percent less. So a 200-lb live buck may field dress near 160 lbs.
Mule Deer Length (Nose to Tail)
Body length runs about 3.9 to 6.9 feet from nose to tail. The tail is short and thin. It has a black tip and a white base.
Mule Deer Buck vs Doe Size
Bucks are longer, heavier, and thicker through the neck. Does are lighter and leaner. The gap is widest in fall, when bucks bulk up for the rut.
More Post: White-Tailed Deer Size
Mule Deer Size by Age, Season & Region
Mule Deer Fawn Size at Birth
A newborn fawn weighs about 5.5 to 6 lbs. It is born in late spring or early summer. Does often have one fawn the first time, then twins after that. Fawns wean at 60 to 75 days. Their white spots fade after about a month.
How Big Do Mule Deer Get by Age?
Growth is fast in the first year. Does reach breeding age around 18 months to 2 years. Bucks keep adding bulk for years. Their prime is about 3 to 6 years old. That is when they carry the most weight and the biggest antlers.
Seasonal Weight Changes and the Rut
Bucks burn a lot of fat during the rut in late fall. They chase does, fight rivals, and eat less. Many head into winter lighter than they were in October. Deep snow and poor forage can shrink all deer.
Rocky Mountain vs Desert Mule Deer Size
Mule deer live from desert shrublands to alpine slopes. Habitat shapes body size. Herds on rich, high-quality range tend to grow bigger. Herds on dry, poor range tend to stay smaller. This is why you see a wide mule deer weight range across states.
More Post: Red Deer Size
Mule Deer Antler Size
Mule Deer Antler Spread and Points
Mule deer antlers are double forked. Each main beam splits, then splits again. Mature bucks often carry 4 or 5 points per side. Many also have brow tines. The antler spread can reach about 4 feet on big bucks.
Antler Growth and Shedding Timeline
Antlers start growing in spring. They harden by late summer. Bucks shed them from about December to April. Then a new set grows back, usually bigger if the buck is healthy and well fed.
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Mule Deer vs Whitetail vs Blacktail Size
Mule Deer vs Whitetail Size
Mule deer vs whitetail size is a close call, but the mule deer wins on average. Mule deer are a bit taller, longer, and heavier. Their ears are bigger and more pointed.
A whitetail buck often weighs about 150 to 300 lbs in good range. A mule deer buck usually looks stockier and sturdier. Antlers differ too. Whitetail tines rise off one main beam. Mule deer antlers fork.
Mule Deer vs Blacktail Deer Size
Mule deer vs blacktail deer size is easier. Blacktails are a mule deer subspecies. They are usually smaller.
The Columbia blacktail is smaller than a mule deer. The Sitka blacktail is smaller still. Sitka does average about 80 lbs. Sitka bucks run about 120 to 200 lbs. Blacktails also have a dark tail and smaller antlers.
Difference Chart of Size, Tail and Antlers
| Trait | Mule Deer | Whitetail | Sitka Blacktail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Largest | Slightly smaller | Smallest |
| Tail | Thin, white, black tip | Wide, white underside | Dark brown or black |
| Antlers | Forked | Tines off one beam | Forked, smaller |
Mule Deer Size Compared to Other Animals
Mule Deer vs Moose Size
A moose towers over a mule deer. A big bull moose stands about 5.5 to 6.5 feet at the shoulder. It runs about 8 to 10 feet long. It weighs roughly 800 to 1,500 lbs. A big mule deer buck stands about 3.5 feet tall, runs about 6 feet long, and weighs about 250 lbs. The moose weighs about five times more. Winner: moose.
Mule Deer vs Elk Size
An elk sits between the two. A bull elk stands about 4.5 to 5 feet at the shoulder. It runs about 6.5 to 8 feet long. It weighs about 600 to 1,000 lbs. A mule deer buck is smaller on all three counts. An elk weighs about three times more. Winner: elk.
Mule Deer vs Human Size
A mule deer is shorter than you but heavy for its height. Its shoulder reaches about a person’s waist or hip. An average U.S. man stands about 5 ft 9 in and weighs near 200 lbs. A big buck weighs about the same, but it is built low and wide. On weight, it is a tie. On height, the human wins.
Mule Deer vs Horse Size
A horse is much bigger. An average riding horse stands about 4.8 to 5.3 feet at the shoulder. It runs about 8 feet long. It weighs about 1,000 lbs. A big buck is about 3.5 feet tall, 6 feet long, and 250 lbs. The horse weighs about four times more. Winner: horse.
More Post: Elk vs Red Stag Size
FAQ’s About Mule Deer Size
How big is a full-grown mule deer?
A full-grown mule deer stands about 3 to 3.5 feet at the shoulder and is 4 to 6.5 feet long. It weighs about 100 to 330 lbs.
How much does a mule deer buck weigh?
Most mule deer bucks weigh about 150 to 250 lbs. Big, well-fed bucks can top 300 lbs.
Are mule deer bigger than whitetail deer?
Yes, on average. Mule deer are usually a bit taller, longer, and heavier than whitetails.
Are blacktail deer smaller than mule deer?
Yes. Blacktails are a mule deer subspecies. The Sitka blacktail is the smallest of the group.
How tall is a mule deer compared to a human?
A mule deer is about 3 to 3.5 feet at the shoulder. That is about waist to hip height on an adult.
Hi, I’m Natalie Collins, the admin at MooseSizes.com. We simplify animal sizes, measurements, and wildlife comparisons with easy-to-follow guides, useful size charts, and accurate information to help you understand animal dimensions with confidence.
