Mule deer are found in good numbers in South Dakota and herd health is great. Mule deer are predominantly found in the units west of the Missouri River but some do inhabit the units directly east of the river too. The primary populations are found in the black hills along with some of the highest concentrations of public lands.

Mule Deer can be hunted over-the-counter with archery licenses but nonresidents may only hunt them on public land with this license type. There is, however, a limited draw license available to nonresidents that allows public land archery hunting. With the limited license, nonresidents may hunt public land only after October 1st. All muzzleloader and rifle licenses are draw-only for both residencies.

Overall, trophy potential is great in South Dakota and some excellent bucks are taken here each fall.

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Understanding the Draw System

In regards to the South Dakota deer draw, there are a total of 7 different season types that hunters can apply and build points for. Residents are eligible for 6 of the 7 season types and nonresidents are only eligible for 4 of the 7. The season types and applicable residencies are broken down in the table below.

For the first draw period, 2 different season types can be applied for at this time. So essentially you can submit 2 different applications, one for each season type you choose. Although you can apply for more than one season type, you can only draw one deer license, not 2. There is a preference point purchase window where you are able to purchase preference points for other season types that you didn't apply for.

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.

** Four more counties with 1 entry each.

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.