This article provides a detailed look at five types of deer found in Colorado, along with identification tips and habitat insights. Colorado is home to three main deer species: mule deer, white-tailed deer, and elk, each with distinct physical traits and behaviors. Colorado deer (whitetail and mule deer) hunting licenses include limited licenses through the primary and secondary draw for archery, rifle, and muzzleloader, and over.
Colorado is home to a diverse deer population, common across various landscapes. The state's natural environments provide suitable habitats, allowing them to thrive from high mountain elevations to open plains. Understanding the types of deer present and their behaviors promotes safe coexistence.
Here are some types of deer that can be found in Colorado: 1. Rocky Mountain Mule Deer The Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus) is the most common and iconic deer species in Colorado. It is a subspecies of mule deer and is known for its large ears, black-tipped tail, and distinctive "mule-like" appearance.
Types of Deer in Colorado In the wilds of Colorado, the majestic Rocky Mountains are home to a diverse array of deer species. From the iconic Rocky Mountain Elk to the graceful Mule Deer, these magnificent creatures roam freely across the state. With their distinctive antlers and agile movements, they captivate the hearts of nature enthusiasts.
Colorado Deer Population: The state estimated a post-hunt deer population of 375,710 in 2023 with about 357,000 mule deer and 19,000 whitetails. An estimate in 2022 of 391,921 with 372,325 mule deer and 19,596 whitetails. The population is down from 416,426 in 2021 and 427,570 in 2020 An.
There are around 400,000 mule deer in the state, and the USA's largest mule deer herd - around 105,000 deer - is located in the northwestern part of the state. If you ever want to know anything about deer, may I recommend the Deer Friendly website, which aggregates deer. There are many factors that impact mule deer in Colorado these days - an exploding human population and consumption of winter range; a "hands-off" predator management plan; strange and inconsistent weather patterns; and hunting pressure tuned and tailored to a more "opportunity-based" management style rather than a "quality" approach.
Mule deer (Odocoilus hemionus) belong to the Cervidae family, hoofed mammals that have antlers, which also include elk (Cervus elaphus), moose (Alces alces), and caribou (Rangifer tarandus). There are numerous sub-classifications of deer, but the most distinctive include mule deer and white-tailed deer (O. virginianus).