mule deer

American  

noun

1. a deer, Odocoileus hemionus, of western North America, having large ears and a gray coat.

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mule deer British  

noun

1. a W North American deer, Odocoileus hemionus, with long ears and a black-tipped tail

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Etymology

Origin of mule deer

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Per the plan conceived by the Catalina Island Conservancy, professional hunters will shoot the island’s non-native mule deer on the ground over four to five years.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

Originally, she said, she was betting on a coyote, but now she’s putting her money on mule deer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

In February of last year, Brian Tillemans submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission spotlighting concerns about dwindling numbers of Eastern Sierra mule deer, as well as bighorn sheep.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

The munching of a mule deer enjoying grass.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Several times they spotted small bunches of mule deer moving along the upper meadow slopes near the tree line.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols