Mule deer are found in the western half of North Dakota and, while populations are spotty, herd health is great. Mule deer can primarily be found in the badlands along the LittleMissouri River but also inhabit the breaks along the main Missouri River. Most of North Dakota is comprised of private lands but public opportunities can be found for hunterswilling to put in the work.
Overall, trophy potential is on the lower side in North Dakota for Mule Deer. Most of the mature bucks harvested will fall in the 150-160" range but they can certainly growlarger.
Over-the-counter archery licenses are available for residents but nonresidents must draw an Any Deer Bow license to hunt mule deer. Deer gun licenses are distributed through thedraw.
License Costs
Resident deer license |
$30 |
Nonresident deer license |
$255 |
Resident Youth deer license |
$10 |
Resident deer license | $30 |
Nonresident deer license | $255 |
Resident Youth deer license | $10 |
New, notes, and alerts
The long archery season includes the peak of the rut in November
Unsuccessful applicants in the draw receive a bonus point
An applicant loses bonus points by failing to apply for two consecutive years
The maximum party application size for deer is 5
Group points default to the lowest point value present in the party
Highlights
Mule deer are found on the western side of the state along the Missouri and Little Missouri Rivers
Over-the-counter archery tags are available for residents
Nonresidents must draw a lottery license to hunt mule deer in North Dakota
Boone and Crockett entries: Typical
Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.
County |
Entries |
Units within county |
Mckenzie |
5 |
3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C |
Billings |
4 |
3D1, 4B, 4C, 4D |
Slope |
2 |
3E1, 3F1, 4D, 4E |
Golden Valley |
1 |
4B, 4D |
Mercer |
1 |
3B1, 3B2, 3D2 |
County | Entries | Units within county |
Mckenzie | 5 | 3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C |
Billings | 4 | 3D1, 4B, 4C, 4D |
Slope | 2 | 3E1, 3F1, 4D, 4E |
Golden Valley | 1 | 4B, 4D |
Mercer | 1 | 3B1, 3B2, 3D2 |
Boone and Crockett entries: Nontypical
Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.
County |
Entries |
Units within county |
Mckenzie |
2 |
3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C |
Golden Valley |
1 |
4B, 4D |
Hettinger |
1 |
3E1, 3F1, 3F2 |
County | Entries | Units within county |
Mckenzie | 2 | 3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C |
Golden Valley | 1 | 4B, 4D |
Hettinger | 1 | 3E1, 3F1, 3F2 |
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