deer

    Article

    Because of its prevalence throughout the Southwest, Hillerman is probably referring to the mule deer, named for its ears, which are large like those of the mule. There are several additional subspecies of deer, including the black-tailed deer. Unlike the related white-tailed deer, mule deer are generally more associated with the land west of the Missouri River, and more specifically still with the Rocky Mountain region of North America.

    Photo Credit

     
    "Ten-point mule deer buck" by woodleywonderworks is licensed under CC BY.

    References

     
    Jim Heffelfinger
         2006   Deer of the Southwest: A Complete Guide to the Natural History, Biology, and
             Management of Southwestern Mule Deer and White-tailed Deer. College Station: Texas A
             & M University Press.