MD and WT do interbreed, but it is relatively rare. Hybrids are usually infertile and not the brightest deer, as the habits of WT and MD are not totally compatible. The hybrid may exhibit behaviors of both species causing the hybrid to act indecisive, for instance, should they run or hide? That can result in the hybrid being easy prey for predators and hunters, so the lifespan may not be great.
WT are more aggressive, so it is usually the WT buck chasing and breeding the MD doe. Hybrids seem to have no definitive physical characteristics. Here in Alberta, as hunters, we are directed to use the tail as a species identifier. Don’t go by throat patches, coat colors, antler confirmation, ear size and shape, to ID species. Legally, the tail configuration directs what tag is used on the deer. If the tail is confusing, not helping the ID, don’t shoot.
The sure physical sign of a hybrid is the size and placement of the metatarsal gland on the lower hind leg. On whitetails its small and white, on mule deer its several inches long and darker brown, and on hybrids pale and in between in size. This has been confirmed by several biologists, including Jim Heffelfinger, who's published several books on deer biology.
Once hunted a plains area of eastern Colorado with some other guys, and one killed a buck hybrid. Have a photo of it somewhere and will post it later. Larry Weishuhn, the noted deer biologist from Texas, was on the same hunt, and pointed out the difference in the metatarsal gland compared to the mule deer and whitetails that were taken.
![[Linked Image]](https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/gallery/80/medium/252076.jpg)
I killed a hybrid doe here in Montana in the late 1990s.
