🦌 Wildlife Wednesday: Mule Deer vs. White-Tails — Can You Spot the Difference? 🦌 South Dakota is home to two native deer species—white-tailed deer and mule deer—and while they may seem similar at first glance, a few key features set them apart: 🔍 Ears Mule deer have huge, mule-like ears (hence the name!)—much larger than those of a white-tail. 🏃 Movement Mule deer use a unique bounding gait called stotting, springing all four feet off the ground at once. White-tails tend to run with a smooth gallop. 🦴 Antlers White-tailed bucks grow antlers with a single main beam and tines that come off it, while mule deer antlers typically fork evenly as they grow. 🚩 Tail The most iconic trait? That flash of white! White-tailed deer raise their long white tail like a flag when alarmed. Mule deer tails are smaller with a black tip. Both species thrive in South Dakota's diverse habitats, from river bottoms to open prairies. By supporting habitat restoration efforts, we help ensure these deer—and countless other species—continue to flourish across our state. 🎯 Heads up, hunters: South Dakota deer license applications open May 29th. Revenue collected from deer licenses are used to directly support wildlife management, habitat conservation, and public access initiatives across the state. 📍 Learn more at: https://gfp.sd.gov/deer/ #WildlifeWednesday #SouthDakotaWildlife #MuleDeer #WhitetailDeer #PrairieWatch #KnowYourDeer #SCHF #SDGFP #DeerSeason2025 (fb)

🇺🇸 Memorial Day: Honoring Through Habitat 🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice—and we’re proud to honor their legacy through lasting habitat. In late 2024, the Second Century Habitat Fund donated over 600 pounds of native grass and wildflower seed to the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls—South Dakota’s first federally funded, state-owned veterans' cemetery. With over 888 veterans now laid to rest, this space stands as a powerful tribute to service, sacrifice, and peace. SCHF partnered with cemetery staff to bring their vision of a “prairie cemetery” to life—creating a serene, pollinator-friendly landscape of native grasses and blooms. It’s not just a place of rest—it’s a living legacy. 💬 “This partnership was a meaningful way to honor veterans and enhance their resting place,” said SCHF Board President Adam Bender. “It’s heartwarming to see organizations unite to honor sacrifice and foster peace for families.” This is more than seed in the ground. It’s a tribute that grows. 🌾 Read more about this special project: 👉 https://www.sdhabitatfund.com/news/schf-gives-back-to-veterans-through-donation #MemorialDay #HonorThroughHabitat #SouthDakotaVeterans #SCHF #PrairieCemetery #DefendTheWild #VeteransCemetery #GrasslandsOfGratitude #SecondCenturyHabitatFund (fb)