Mule Deer are one of the iconic symbols of the American West. It is the largest member of the Odocoileus genus, standing 40 to 42 inches tall at the shoulders. A trophy mule deer buck may weigh up to 500 pounds.

The Mule Deer derived its name from its large, mule-like ears. They are able to move these ears independently allowing them to effectively survey the area for sounds of potential danger. Mule Deer are stout and stocky, measuring about a third larger than their cousin the Whitetail Deer. They have a distinct leaping gait in which all four legs touch the ground at the same time while running. They are capable of achieving speeds of up to 45 mph and can change directions in a single bound. Mule Deer are well adapted to desert and arid environments. They will use their hooves to dig holes into the ground in search of seep water.

The Mule Deer mating season, also called the "rut", begins in early fall and continues through January, but may vary by region and climate. Males, or “bucks,” compete with each other for dominance and breeding opportunities. A dominate buck will collect several females, or “does,” to form a mating harem and will aggressively defend it from other males in the region. Size is the main factor in determining which bucks will mate. The largest bucks with the biggest antlers will perform most of the mating in a particular area.

The major threats to mule deer are automobiles, hunting, and large carnivores like bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. Mule deer are not well equipped for fighting, so they stay alert and rely on their speed to avoid predation and human-inflicted harm.