Deer is the most sought after game species by hunters in North America. There are many types of deer species and subspecies in the United States. The main species are the Whitetail deer, Mule deer and black-tail deer.We will talk a little more about the subspecies of these deer when we get to that section.

This article will talk a little bit about each species characteristics, habitat and where to find the monster bucks. We will also include some hunting videos and pictures of each species.

The Whitetailed deer is the most sought after animal by hunters in the United States. The main reason is the Whitetail is so widespread throughout the US with the exception of 5 States. They are very adaptable to living in the bush and around agriculture areas. The greater populations are found where there are plenty of farmers fields and treed areas. The whitetailed deer is recognised by the big white tail or as some refer to as the "flag".

Some of the subspecies of Whitetails include: Northern, Dakota (Northern Plains), Virginia, Avery Island, Florida, Key, Northwest/Northern Rocky Mountain, Columbian, Coues, Carmen Mountains and Texas.

Where are the big bucks found during hunting season? Note: Big bucks get big and old for a reason. They know where to go to hide from hunters. Sometimes they will let their guard down during the rut, but don't count on it. These big bucks can be found in areas that have less shooting, areas of wet marsh's during daytime, edges of fields during sunrise and dusk, thick brush, coulees. How can you increase your odds? The best way is to Pre-scout the areas prior to hunting season and know the areas you are hunting. Look for fresh rubs and scrapes left by the bucks. Also, look for good populations of Does. You know the bucks are not going to be far behind. Of course, a little luck never hurts.

Rattling is a popular way of bringing both the large and small bucks. Grunting typically brings in bigger bucks, but you need to perfect the call. I'm not sold on scents. Some hunter swear by them, but I'm not convinced.

World Whitetail Records:

Boone and Crockett

Typical - 213 5/8 in Biggar Saskatchewan in 1993.

Non-Typical - 333 7/8 in St. Louis County, Missouri in 1981

Pope and Young

Typical - 204 4/8 in Peoria County, Illinios in 1965

Non-Typical - 294 0/8 in Greene County, Ohio in 2000.

Mule deer are not as widespread as the Whitetail deer as it is mostly found in the western half of North America. The mule deer gets it's name from it's ears as they resemble a mule. The two main distinctive features that are different between these two species if the pattern of the antlers (forked) and the color of their tails (black tipped). The mule deer is also the largest of the deers where the males could weigh as much as 300 pounds.

There are several subspecies of the Mule deer and we have left out the Blacktail deer species for the next section. The subspecies of Mule deer include: California, Cedros Island, Desert, Southern, Inyo, Peninsula, Tiburon Island and the Rocky Mountain.

Where to find the big bucks during hunting season? Just like the Whitetail deer, the big Mule deer bucks will normally head for thick cover of shrubs and trees. Since Mule deer are found in higher elevations, they will typically travel in the valleys following whatever vegetation that will hide their movements. Early morning and dusk are good time to see them feeding along the edge of meadows. It is always important to scout the areas before and during hunting season. Your success depends on it.

World Record Mule Deer

Boone and Crockett

Typical - 226 4/8 in Dolores County, CO in 1972

Non-Typical - 355 2/8 in Chip Lake, Alberta in 1926

Pope and Young

Typical - 203 1/8 in Whiteriver National Forest, Colorado in 1979

Non-Typical - 274 7/8 in Morgan County, Colorado in 1987

The Columbian Black-tailed deer is a smaller subspecies of the Mule deers and is found in Mountainous regions of California, western Oregon, Washington.

The Sitka black-tailed deer has even a shorter range than the Columbian. It is found and originates in Sitka, Alaska and also found in coastal regions of British Columbia. The Sitka Black-tailed deer is also the smallest of the black-tails.

See the videos below of these two Black-tailed deer species.

World Record Black-tailed Deer

Boone and Crockett

Columbian Black-tailed Deer - 182 2/8 in Lewis County, Washington in 1953

Sitka Black-tailed Deer - 133 in Juskatla, British Columbia in 1970

Pope and Young

Columbian Black-tail - Typical - 172 2/8 in Marion County, Oregon in 1969

Columbian Black-tail - Non-Typical - 194 4/8 in Jackson County, Oregon in 1988

Sitka Black-tail - 116 3/8 in Prince of Wales Island, Alaska in 1987.