Mule-whitetail hybrid - what tag?

[Rayne]

I think what he’s trying to convey is that if the tail is white it’s a whitetail tag you cut. From an identification stand point.
Our tags are based on tails not antlers

[Walking Buffalo]

I think what he’s trying to convey is that if the tail is white it’s a whitetail tag you cut. From an identification stand point.
Our tags are based on tails not antlers

The OP has made a serious mistake from his first post.
Confusing and fully correlating biology and the law.
He's arguing two separate discussions regarding hybrids as though they are the same.

You suggested in your reply, that I saw whitetails. That's different from saying that what I saw would be legally considered whitetails. That latter seems reasonable, the former does not.

What did I convey from the article that is inaccurate? And, what is your expertise is on the subject. I'm inclined to believe the US Forest Service more than you, but open to hear where you are coming from. Anyways, I don't really care what you think I did see or not, the question was about how to deal with a hybrid from a tag perspective.

Now you desire to debate reasonableness?

Good.
Cause if you shoot one of these hybrids, you will have to determine what You think it is, tag it that way, and if the CO thinks differently, you'll be arguing your case based on reason.

Now figure out why you consider what I have said to be "unreasonable"....


Sure, I'm picking on you a bit.
I appreciate your curiosity and willingness to learn.
Now learn to suck it up.
You'll never learn when you are this stubborn and easily deflected into defense.


I, and others, have tried to explain the legal description of these deer based on your observations.
And how to deal with the tag.


In terms of biology, your desire to be right has blinded you into exaggerating what your sources reveal.
Hybrid WT/Mulies have been studied for a long time.
Go back and understand the prevalence rates, and how this was calculated.
Genetic testing, genetics and visual indicators of hybridization gets complicated very quickly.

[KootenayKiller]

Lol, you should add RPD to your RPBio designation - Registered Professional Dick!

What did I exaggerate? You say I misinterpreted the source, and offer no corrections or further insight - just shittalk. I posted an article and pointed out some of the key differences highlighted in it. Including prevalence rates, effects on fertility, etc. You say this is wrong and offer no sources to provide alternative information. Stop being a cranky old man and contribute some useful information. It is you who should be defensive - defend your points with facts! Expand on the knowledge blessed upon us by the US Forest Service, Mr. Walking Buffalo.

I would expect a professional biologist to conduct themselves with more professionalism.

[KootenayKiller]

Use your WT tag, because they were whitetails.


Understand the physiological effects of second generation hybridization and general fertility rates of these hybrids, and you'll understand what you witnessed was not a group of hybrids.

The OP has made a serious mistake from his first post.
Confusing and fully correlating biology and the law.
He's arguing two separate discussions regarding hybrids as though they are the same.

You're the one harping on whether what I saw was hybrid or not, instead of focusing on what I asked about - the legality of what tag to use if an actual hybrid were killed.

You're angry for no good reason haha. Bad hunting season?

[Downwindtracker2]

While not fool proof, mule deer tend to be grey, and whitetails tawny.

[Redthies]

The answer to what tag to cut is in the tail. Antlers are not a reliable indicator of deer type.

No doubt. I had the crosshairs on a big spiker a week ago and couldn’t tell if it was a WT or MD. I was in a 4pt only zone for MD, so had to be sure. He was bedded and staring straight at me. Color and antlers said MD, ears were leaning WT, but bigger than I was happy with. I looked at him for 15-20 seconds through the scope, and then I made a noise to get him up. He stood, but stayed exactly straight on. Only about 10 seconds later when he turned and jumped did I get to see his tail and know he was legal. Already having a haul of meat in the freezer, I’m hoping to see one of the bigger boys that I know are around. If we get closer to the end of the month and I don’t have a buck yet, I’ll be happy with a spike.

[Redthies]

While not fool proof, mule deer tend to be grey, and whitetails tawny.

True, but as in the post I just made above, the WT buck I didn’t shoot (couldn’t confirm he was a WT until too late), the WT buck I had a shot on was very “mousy gray”. Had he had that WT ginger look, he’d be in my freezer now.

[HarryToolips]

OK let's get opinions as to what you all think this buck is (sorry for the poor pic resolution)..I think it's a hybrid - WT tail, but looks to have the MD darker forehead and lighter coloured snout..

[IMG][/IMG]

[RackStar]

To me I see a whitetail

[HarryToolips]

To me I see a whitetail

OK awesome thanks..